LIC ORFORATED 191
Proclamation
of the City of Foster City, California
Recognizing May 2026 as "Mental Health Month"
WHEREAS, Mental Health Month focuses on the 2026 theme Mental Health is Ours, emphasizing community, collective action, and holistic support; and 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 grades 7, 9, and 11 reported social emotional distress and chronic sadness/hopelessness in the past 12 months; 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, 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, 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 of Foster City 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, 1, ART KIESEL, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF FOSTER CITY, ON BEHALF OF THE CITY COUNCIL, do hereby recognize May 2026 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 have caused the official seal of the City of Foster City to be affixed this 18th day of May, in the year two
thousand and twenty-six, A.D.
ART KIESEL, MAYOR