A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY 2024 AS “MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH” IN THE CITY OF POMONA WHEREAS, since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions; and WHEREAS, mental health is a fundamental part of an individual’s overall health and well-being, and mental illness is a major public health concern in our nation; and WHEREAS, two in five adults in the U.S. report anxiety and depression, and two in five teens describe experiencing persistent sadness or hopelessness; and WHEREAS, suicide is the second leading cause of death of youth ages 15 to 24 and the tenth leading cause of death for all Americans; and WHEREAS, while mental health issues affect everyone, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI), BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and other historically marginalized and underserved communities face greater disparities and barriers in accessing mental health care; and WHEREAS, lack of awareness of available resources and the stigma that surrounds mental health are the biggest deterrents for someone seeking professional help; and WHEREAS, every citizen and community can make a difference in helping end the silence and stigma; and WHEREAS, there is a need for comprehensive, coordinated mental health services for children, youth, young adults, and families; and WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase public understanding of the importance of mental health and the treatment of mental illness.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POMONA does hereby proclaim May 2024 as “MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH”
Dated this 6th day of May, 2024