To: Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Carlson, District IV Supervisor
Report Title: Acknowledgement of the Month of May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution acknowledging the Month of May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
FISCAL IMPACT:
none
BACKGROUND:
May and throughout the year, it is essential we all promote understanding that those experiencing mental health challenges have conditions that are treatable and, with treatment, achieve fulfilling lives with basic needs met: shelter, food, social inclusion, participation in community life, sense of personal worth, and people who care about them. Central to this is promotion of the principles of wellness, resiliency, hope and recovery; recovery of what was lost by untreated conditions and hope that more is possible. It is essential our community works together to eliminate stigma associated with mental health conditions, counter the destructive effects of discrimination, and establish inclusion rather than exclusion.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
May will not be recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF Acknowledgement of the Month of May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
WHEREAS, the County of Contra Costa declares the month of May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
WHEREAS, Californians living with a serious mental health condition in general experience a life expectancy of up to 25+ years shorter than the general population if not provided appropriate services and support; and
WHEREAS, during May and throughout the year, it is essential we all promote understanding that those experiencing mental health challenges have conditions that are treatable and, with treatment, achieve fulfilling lives with basic needs met: shelter, food, social inclusion, participation in community life, sense of personal worth, and people who care about them. Central to this is promotion of the principles of wellness, resiliency, hope and recovery; recovery of what was lost by untreated conditions and hope that more is possible. It is essential our community works together to eliminate stigma associated with mental health conditions, counter the destructive effects of discrimination, and establish inclusion rather than exclusion.
WHEREAS, in effort to better recognize and serve residents of all parts of our community, understanding and respect of the cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity of Contra Costa residents are central to advancing goals of equitable access to care. Mental health conditions are health conditions. They deeply impact our sense of well-being and ability to live a fulfilling life. As with other health conditions, left untreated, they have a negative impact on the individual, their family and their community.
WHEREAS, lack of awareness of available treatment resources, challenges of navigating confusing treatment delivery systems, and experiencing stigma and sometimes shame or embarrassment are deterrents to obtaining needed mental health services.
WHEREAS, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is committed to increasing awareness of the importance of mental health, supporting access to mental health care and creating a stigma-free, safe and inclusive environment for all residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County does hereby recognize May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
end