Dated: May 11, 2022
RECOGNITION OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
MAY 2022
WHEREAS, mental health conditions are one of the most common health conditions worldwide, and the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression; and
WHEREAS, last year, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a health advisory on the youth mental health crisis that has been further exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic; and WHEREAS, one out of every 24 Californian’s with a serious mental health condition have difficulty functioning in everyday life and if left untreated, have life expectancies 25 years shorter than the general population; and WHEREAS, every day, millions of people face stigma related to mental health and substance uses conditions and may feel isolated and alone, going years before receiving any help; and
WHEREAS, mental health and substance use conditions are treatable health conditions, and people who have mental health and substance use conditions can recover and lead full and meaningful lives; and
WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco has joined the San Mateo County Mayors Mental Health Initiative where mayors across the 20 cities in San Mateo County have come together with the mission of promoting awareness of and access to mental health resources in their communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco is also advancing the mental health of the community by participating in a Community Wellness Crisis Response Team pilot program with the goal of de-escalating mental health crisis calls to 9-1-1 in the community by clinically trained mental health staff; and WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco 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 by lighting City Hall green for the month of May.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco does hereby recognize May 2022 as Mental Health Awareness Month to enhance public awareness of mental health to help end the stigma. ________________________________
Mark Nagales, Mayor
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Buenaflor Nicolas, Vice Mayor
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Mark Addiego, Councilmember
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James Coleman, Councilmember
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Eddie Flores, Councilmember