Title
To designate May as Mental Illness Awareness Month in the City of Columbus and recognize the work of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Franklin County and the pediatric mental health and other related services offered by Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Body
WHEREAS, Mental health is essential to our overall health, and the importance of attending to mental health has become even more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has not only negatively impacted many people’s mental health but has also created barriers to treatment; millions of adults and children across America experience mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder - nearly one in five Americans lives with a mental health condition; those living with mental health conditions are our family, friends, classmates, neighbors, and coworkers; one of the guiding principles of community mental health care has been its commitment to a comprehensive, consumer-responsive delivery of services; and
WHEREAS, NAMI Franklin County provides education, support, and advocacy to individuals with mental illness and their family of caregivers regardless of their clients age, gender, race, ethnicity, religious or economic status - the organization has worked to raise awareness about mental health, mental illness, and has continued to fight against the stigmas that are associated with mental illness; NAMI has expanded its work during the Month of May to include 15 billboards around Franklin County to promote mental health awareness; partnered with the African American Mental Health Beauty and Barber Campaign to create a drive to raise awareness for an additional 50,000 people; and expanded its work beyond the school with the Sources of Strength initiative to include community-based programs in kids centered places like recreation centers and other spaces; the program provides year around training and mental health suppo...
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