Mayor Holland | Vice Mayor DeGolia | Councilmember Lewis | Councilmember Widmer | Councilmember Lane Town of Atherton
Proclamation
IN RECOGNITION OF MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
This proclamation recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Month in Atherton to reduce stigma, encourage support, and promote wellness to address mental health and substance use conditions.
WHEREAS, in 2023, 13% of San Mateo County adults reported poor mental health for fourteen or more days in the past month and 42% have sought professional help for their mental health; in 2023-2025, San Mateo County youth grade 7, 9 and 11 reported social emotional distress (23%, 24% and 25%, respectively) and chronic sadness/hopelessness (25%, 27% and 26%) in the past 12 months; and
WHEREAS, while behavioral health conditions are common across all types of demographics, certain communities face inequitable access to services, including people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, veterans, youth and older adults; and
WHEREAS, on December 9, 2025, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted Resolution No. 081556, affirming the County’s commitment to the well-being of current and future generations, making San Mateo County the first jurisdiction in the United States to do so; and WHEREAS, that resolution recognized that with more than a quarter of San Mateo County residents being under the age of 24, and that most mental health challenges began before the age of 25, mental health is not only a present-day concern but a generational responsibility for future generations; treating mental health as a foundational public good, not merely a clinical concern; and
WHEREAS, the San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity, Felton Institute Peninsula Suicide Prevention, Mayors Mental Health Initiative, and partners are collectively organizing activities that San Mateo County community members can participate in throughout the month, including free in-person and virtual events, advocacy days and social media campaign; and
WHEREAS, The City Council 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, AS MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF ATHERTON, AND ON BEHALF OF THE ATHERTON CITY COUNCIL, do hereby proclaim that the month of May 2026, be recognized as Mental Health Month in Atherton to enhance public awareness of mental health to help end the stigma, direct members of the community to resources and support for mental health and substance use conditions, and honor the County’s historic commitment to the well-being of current and future generations we create together.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Atherton to be affixed this 20th day of May, 2026. __________________________
Stacy Holland, Mayor
Town of Atherton