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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Solano County; and Adopt and present a resolution recognizing May 4-10, 2026, as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week in Solano County (Chair Brown)
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt and present a resolution recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Solano County; and
2. Adopt and present a resolution recognizing May 4-10, 2026, as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness of mental health and wellness, celebrating recovery, and reducing stigma associated with mental illness.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, the Solano County Health and Social Services (H&SS) Department, Behavioral Health and Public Health Divisions, and its partners will participate in a national movement focused on eradicating stigma, extending support, promoting public education, and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness. This observance also highlights specific populations, including women experiencing perinatal and postpartum mental health challenges, collectively referred to as maternal mental health. Untreated maternal mental health disorders can lead to adverse early childhood development outcomes and are the leading cause of pregnancy-related death.
Solano County Behavioral Health and Public Health, in collaboration with community partners, will promote mental health awareness through social media, a podcast interview, and both virtual and in-person community events. The Mental Health Awareness Month and Maternal Mental Health Week resolutions provide an opportunity to reinforce that mental health is essential to overall health and well-being.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparation of the agenda item and activities during the month are included in the Department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparation of the resolutions are included in the Board’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
According to the California Healthcare Foundation, mental illnesses remains one of the most common health conditions facing Californians. Nearly one in five adults experiences a mental illness, and one in 20 experiences a serious mental illness that significantly impacts daily functioning. Additionally, one in six youth ages 6-17 experiences an emotional disturbance that limits functioning at home, school, or in the community.
In 2025, Solano County Behavioral Health served 7,341 individuals with Mental Health services and 1,768 individuals through Substance Use Treatment services including both contracted and county-operated programs.
Crisis response services also played a critical role. The community-based mobile crisis provider served 786 individuals, with the largest group aged 26-59. The County’s Crisis Stabilization Unit served 653 individuals, also primarily within this age group. The school-based mobile crisis provider served 223 unduplicated youth, primarily ages 6-15.
In the same year, Solano County recorded 51 suicide deaths and 121 overdose deaths, reflecting a slight decrease in suicides and a slight increase in overdoses compared to the prior year. Across programs, most individuals served were English-speaking and residing in stable housing, with a small proportion connected to the foster care system.
Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity to highlight these trends, emphasize the importance of early intervention and crisis response, and increase community awareness of available services to support prevention, access to care, and recovery.
The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health established U.S. Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week in 2014 to highlight perinatal mental health as a critical public health issue affecting both parents and infants. In California, one in three individuals reports symptoms of depression or anxiety during or after pregnancy, and 5-14% experience thoughts of self-harm. Untreated conditions can negatively affect parent-child bonding, child development, and long-term family well-being. Suicide and overdose are the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths, and many individuals face barriers to care, including stigma and limited access.
Solano County continues to prioritize maternal mental health through its Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH) efforts. These include a new three-year California Home Visiting Program Innovation grant to expand Safe Spaces: Enhancing Perinatal Mental Wellness at Home. This initiative builds on existing services by offering in-home screening, therapy, crisis intervention, and evidence-based support for pregnant and parenting individuals. Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week emphasizes the importance of early identification, reducing barriers to care, and strengthening community-based support to improve outcomes for families.
The 2026 theme of Metal Health Awareness Month is “More Good Days, Together” and the Solano County Behavioral Health Mental Health Awareness Month planning team is building on that theme with a local, “United We Feel, United We Heal,” message and activities throughout the month to promote mental wellness and awareness of local services. Solano MCAH will also observe Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week under the theme, “Rediscovering You,” featuring supportive activities including a Walk & Talk group, Gratitude & Strength Wall, and a Wellness & Reset Station. These coordinated efforts reflect a unified approach that recognizes mental health and maternal mental health as interconnected priorities, with a shared focus on prevention, early intervention, and strengthening overall well-being for individuals and families.
Virtual events will include a panel of mental health professionals, who will respond to audience questions. Community engagement will include outreach and participation at local fairs, as well as wellness events hosted by community partners.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt these resolutions. This is not recommended because this is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote community discussion about mental health, including maternal mental health, and highlight available support services in Solano County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Behavioral Health Advisory Board endorses the resolution. In addition, the Health and Social Services Department partners with community providers to support Mental Health Awareness Month and Maternal Mental Health Week.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION