To: Board of Supervisors
From: Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Report Title: Acknowledgement of African American Mental Health Awareness Week February 16-22, 2025 and Miles Hall Day of Remembrance February 15, 2025 and Tyrell Wilson Day of Remembrance March 8, 2025
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Acknowledgement of African American Mental Health Awareness Week February 16-22, 2025 and Miles Hall Day of Remembrance February 15, 2025 and Tyrell Wilson Day of Remembrance March 8, 2025
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact
BACKGROUND:
Acknowledgement of African American Mental Health Awareness Week February 16-22, 2025 and Miles Hall Day of Remembrance February 15, 2025 and Tyrell Wilson Day of Remembrance March 8, 2025
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
No Negative action
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
Acknowledgement of African American Mental Health Awareness Week
February 16-22, 2025
and
Miles Hall Day of Remembrance
February 15, 2025
and
Tyrell Wilson Day of Remembrance
March 8, 2025
WHEREAS, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors declares February 16-22, 2025, as African American Mental Health Awareness Week; and, February 15, 2025 as Miles Hall Day of Remembrance; and, March 8, 2025 as Tyrell Wilson Day of Remembrance; and
WHEREAS, in the African American community there is a need to support the recovery process of peers, clients, consumers and family members impacted by mental health and substance use issues through the delivery of well-funded culturally responsive, community-defined and honoring services; including, but not limited to, the incorporation of identified spiritual and faith practices and beliefs when requested; and
WHEREAS, mental health and substance use issues, as well as the devastating impact of the racialized police text messages scandal in East County, continue to be traumatic experiences resulting in the continued unease and lack of well-being experienced by African Americans in this County; and
WHEREAS, scientific studies show when services are delivered by individuals reflective of those served and faith and spiritual practices are included as a part of the recovery plan, the peer, client, consumer along with the behavioral health system experience shorter recovery times, fewer relapses, and fewer hospitalizations; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa Health-Behavioral Health Services and its community partners have been committed to inclusion of client voice and of employment of persons with lived experience for the last 30 years in an effort to better reflect and celebrate the cultural and racial diversity in Contra Costa County. It recognizes that for some community members, faith and spirituality play an important role in their wellness and recovery, and that community defined practices often are healing; and
WHEREAS, NAMI Contra Costa, the 40 Voices Campaign, peers, clients, consumers, family members, providers, spiritual leaders, Village Keepers, Miles Hall Foundation and other African American-led organizations are working hard to support and protect families by advocating for the implementation of the African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub and, educating communities about mental illness and protecting those living with mental illness from unjust practices and harm by supporting the Miles Hall Community Crisis Hub and other non-police response programming; and, all interested stakeholders can participate in the February 28, 2025, Mental Health Awareness Black History Event, the Miles Hall Foundation activities, and ongoing efforts to replace misinformation about mental health, erase prejudice, fear and blame, thereby reducing stigma and disparities that negatively impact unserved, underserved and inappropriately served communities by helping restore mental health wellness, and reimagining safety for ALL in Contra Costa County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED this Board of Supervisors, County of Contra Costa, State of California proclaims February 16-22, 2025 as African American Mental Health Awareness Week, February 15, 2025 as the Miles Hall Day of Remembrance, and March 8, 2025 as Tyrell Wilson, Day of Remembrance, and encourages everyone to participate in this important series of events.
end