title
Adopt and present a resolution recognizing May 2018 as Mental Health Month in Solano County (Supervisor Brown)
body
Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends that the Board adopt and present a resolution recognizing May 2018 as Mental Health Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Mental Health Awareness Month, also referred to as “Mental Health Month,” has been observed in May every year since it began in 1949. It provides an opportunity to raise public awareness of the vital role mental wellness plays in an individual’s overall health and well-being. May as Mental Health Awareness serve as a national effort to reach millions of people through the media, local events and screenings, spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care about. One in five adults experience mental health issues each year, ranging from mild episodes to serious and persisting illness. The Behavioral Health Division provides a range of specialty mental health services to over 6,000 individuals, in addition to over 800 served by the Medical Services Division in the County’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) or the County clinics.
Solano County is sponsoring or participating in a variety of activities and events throughout the month of May to celebrate mental wellness. This year’s events include The 4th Annual Mental Health Celebration, an all day celebration hosted by Behavioral Health, which will include various educational presentations, community-wide mental health outreach and education efforts, and consumer art. Circle of Friends, one of the County’s Wellness and Recovery Centers is hosting two events, Sip and Paint on May 7th and a Health Fair and BBQ on May 14th. Caminar, a provider of mental health supportive services, is hosting its annual Cammie Awards on May 17th, which celebrates consumers and their journey to wellness. All activities are identified in Attachment B. These activities offer an opportunity to address the public’s need for information about mental and emotional illnesses, as well as inform the community of the services provided by H&SS to address the mental health needs of children, adults, and families.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2017/18 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2017/18 Adopted Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt the resolution. This is not recommended because this is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote community discussion regarding the impact of mental illness and the services available to address these issues.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County Mental Health Advisory Board endorses the resolution and activities. Various County Mental Health contract agencies and community organizations will host events to support Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION