HomeMy WebLinkAboutKittitas County BoCC Mental Health Month ProclamationBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY OF KITTITAS
STATE OF WASHINGTON
PROCLAMATION
PROCLAIMING MAY AS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, every person can help make Kittitas County a resilient community by educating themselves,
changing negative attitudes about mental illness, and becoming ambassadors of kindness and hope; and
WHEREAS, people with mental health conditions make important contributions to our families, workplaces,
schools, cultures, and the creative life of our society; and
WHEREAS, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental
illness each year; and
WHEREAS, Kittitas County adults report an increasing number of poor mental health days, and around 70%
of Kittitas County 10th graders reported feeling nervous, anxious, or over edge; and
WHEREAS, stigma and fear of discrimination keep many who would benefit from mental health services
from seeking help, and only half of those with a serious mental illness seek treatment; and
WHEREAS, many people with mental health conditions recover with supportive services, such as therapy
and medication, and thrive with self-care and encouraging social networks and workplaces; and
WHEREAS, the Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners instituted the 1/10th of 1% Mental Health
and Chemical Dependency Sales Tax to expand our community’s capacity to serve those in need; and
WHEREAS, in July 2022, the nation adopted 988 as the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, and anyone
may contact the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to receive support from a live crisis counselor.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners do hereby
proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month, and urge all citizens to reduce stigma and discrimination
by increasing their understanding of mental illnesses and promoting accessible services for all people
seeking mental healthcare.
SIGNED this ____ day of __________, 2023.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
___________________________________________
Cory Wright, Chairman
___________________________________________
Brett Wachsmith, Vice-Chairman
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Laura Osiadacz, Commissioner