THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA

DESIGNATES MAY 2011 AS

Mental Health

Awareness Month

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WHEREAS, national mental health advocacy organizations, including the National Mental Health Association and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, have designated the month of May as a time to increase public awareness and support for mental health; and

WHEREAS, serious and debilitating mental illnesses and emotional disturbances affect up to 5% of the adult population and up to 10% of our youth each year, and one out of every four families has a mentally ill or emotionally disturbed family member; and

WHEREAS, national and California studies consistently find that less than 50% of our communities’ mental health treatment and support needs are met; and

WHEREAS, mental illness is a leading cause of disability, both nationally and worldwide, second only to cardiovascular disease in total impact; and

WHEREAS, stigma and lack of public understanding of mental illness is the single greatest barrier to an individual seeking treatment; and

WHEREAS, the United States Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health and the President’s “New Freedom Commission on Mental Health” found that there are effective treatments for mental illness and that individuals can recover and lead more fulfilling lives.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo designates the month of May 2011 as “Mental Health Awareness Month” and encourages all residents of San Mateo County to support the efforts to raise awareness concerning mental health.

Dated: May 10, 2011

SUPERVISORS:

CAROLE GROOM, PRESIDENT

ADRIENNE J. TISSIER

DON HORSLEY

ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

Attest:

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Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors