City of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH IN MARIN COUNTY
MAY 2026
WHEREAS, Mental health challenges are one of the most common health conditions in California, affecting 1 in 3 children (7.7%) and 1 in 6 adults (16.7%), with 4% of adults experiencing severe mental illness, impacting both the person experiencing mental health challenges and those who care for the person facing the challenge; and WHEREAS, Mental health can impact Marin residents across the lifespan; therefore, awareness and access to the tools and resources that exist can be used early in a diagnosis to manage challenges better and protect one’s health and wellbeing; and WHEREAS, Mental health impacts a person’s emotional, social, environmental, financial, and overall well-being, with significant disparities among racially and ethnically diverse communities; and
WHEREAS, Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, and its partner organizations are committed to creating an integrated, equitable mental health service model that provides early intervention that can effectively change the outcome of a mental health condition; and
WHEREAS, Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, and its partner organizations are committed to stigma reduction and fostering help-seeking by hosting a series of May Mental Health county-wide events and creating awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; and
WHEREAS, Health and Human Services, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, and its partner organizations continue to work across behavioral health fields to address the intersections of mental health, suicidality, substance use, and other social and environmental factors and how these compound mental health conditions in our community; and
WHEREAS, Prevention is an effective way to address the impact of mental health conditions and, with early and effective evidence-based treatment, individuals with mental health conditions can recover and lead full, productive lives; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City of San Rafael hereby recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month to enhance public awareness of mental health and help end the stigma.
Kate Colin
Mayor