Proclamation
WHEREAS, mental illness is a prevalent health condition, nearly 1 in 6 California adults experience a mental illness of some kind and nearly 1 in 13 children has an emotional disturbance that limits participation in daily activities; and WHEREAS, mental illness is pervasive, its feelings of isolation, dread and hopelessness can keep people from living to their full potential; and WHEREAS, mental health treatment through counseling, medication and community support has helped many recover from mental illness; and WHEREAS, people with mental health issues can and do make important contributions to our communities; and WHEREAS, long-standing misperceptions and stigma about mental illness create barriers to seeking treatment, it is estimated that only one out of every two people with a mental health condition seek treatment; and WHEREAS, increased public awareness of mental health issues reduces stigma and may lead to earlier recognition and treatment of possible mental health issues; and WHEREAS, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services joins with the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) in choosing “Together for Mental Health” as the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month activities, the City of Merced calls on all of its citizens to help realize a vision of a community where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to lead them to living healthy, fulfilling lives.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MATTHEW SERRATTO, Mayor of the City of Merced, do hereby proclaim May 2022 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Merced, and encourage all the citizens of Merced to practice good mental health and to participate in educational activities during the month of May.
Signed this 2nd day of May, 2022.
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Matthew Serratto, Mayor of Merced