Title
Vote to adopt a resolution recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month
Abstract
Introduction & Background: Each year, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience a mental health crisis, while 21.2 million adults report experiencing both a mental health and substance use disorder. Counties stand prepared to collaborate across public, private and non-profit sectors to address this growing crisis through targeted federal advocacy, cross-sector partnerships and support for the county behavioral health workforce.
This May, the National Association of Counties (NACo) invites the nation's 3,069 counties, parishes, and boroughs to participate in Mental Health Awareness Month.
Discussion & Analysis: According to the 2024 Chatham County Community Assessment, in 2024, 26.4% of Chatham adults reported that they had been diagnosed with depression or anxiety. These conditions interfered with daily life “sometimes” or “often” for 26.2% of adults under 60. In 2021, 1 in 5 Chatham County high schoolers reported seriously considering suicide.
Collaborative efforts focused on mental health are important to address these issues in Chatham County. Proclaiming May as Mental Health Awareness Month helps to bring attention to the impact mental health has on a person’s emotional, social, environmental, financial and overall well-being, while also combatting stigma.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: The work of this team is in alignment with the goal of “Foster a Healthy Community.”
Budgetary Impact: None
Recommendation/Motion: Motion to adopt a resolution recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month.