Mayor Hawkins-Manuelian | Vice Mayor Lewis | Councilmember Widmer | Councilmember DeGolia | Councilmember Holland Town of Atherton
Proclamation
IN RECOGNITION OF MAY 2024 AS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
WHEREAS, in 2021, one out of every eight San Mateo County adults likely had serious psychological distress in the past year. From 2019 to 2021, San Mateo County youth in grades 7 and 11, reported chronic sadness and hopelessness (29% and 43%, respectively) in the past 12 months; and WHEREAS, every day, millions of people face stigma related to mental health and substance use conditions and may feel isolated and alone, going years before receiving any help; if left untreated, have life expectancies 25 years shorter than the general population; and
WHEREAS, while mental health conditions are common across all types of demographics, certain communities face inequitable access to services, including people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, youth, and older adults; and WHEREAS, mental health and substance use conditions are treatable health conditions, and people who have mental health and substance use conditions can recover and lead full and meaningful lives; and WHEREAS, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is the first in the country to pass a resolution in January 2024 declaring loneliness a public health crisis and pledging to promote social connection in our communities. Given this public health priority, the theme for 2024 May Mental Health Month is Heal Through Connection #SMCAgainstLoneliness. Ongoing updates are posted at www.SMCHealth.org/MHM; and WHEREAS, the San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity, Mayors Mental Health Initiative, and partners are collectively organizing activities that our community can participate in throughout the month, including free in-person and virtual events, advocacy days, and social media campaigns.
WHEREAS, The Town of Atherton wishes to increase the public's knowledge of signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use conditions, professional and self-help resources, and self-care practices, now, therefore, be it
NOW, THEREFORE, AS MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF ATHERTON, AND ON BEHALF OF THE ATHERTON CITY COUNCIL, do hereby recognize May 2024 as Mental Health Month to enhance public awareness of mental health to help end the stigma and direct members of the community to resources and support for mental health and substance use conditions.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
and caused the seal of the Town of Atherton to be affixed this 15
th day of May 2024.
__________________________
Diana Hawkins-Manuelian, Mayor
Town of Atherton