Title
To designate July as National Minority Mental Health Month in the City of Columbus and to recognize ADAMH Board of Franklin County for the contributions it has made to mental health awareness and behavioral healthcare needs.
Body
WHEREAS, National Minority Health Awareness Month is observed each July to bring awareness to the unique struggles that racial and ethnic minority communities face regarding mental illness in the United States;
WHEREAS, ADAMH of Franklin County is dedicated to improving the well-being of our community by reducing the incidence of mental health problems and eliminating the abuse of alcohol and other drugs in Franklin County, which have been heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, ADAMH helps residents of Franklin County find the right places to turn for affordable, quality alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services which are provided by more than 30 community partners located in neighborhoods throughout the county; and
WHEREAS, health disparities have existed in America for more than 400 years - however we are witnessing a coronavirus pandemic that is highlighting the long-running racial divide - Black patients are dying in larger-than-expected numbers and are disproportionately suffering due to long standing unaddressed health disparities and barriers to mental health resources have exasperated ; and
WHEREAS, thanks to ADAMH’s System of Care, residents are connected to appropriate mental health and alcohol and other drug treatment services, crisis assistance, and prevention services through various community partners, including 16 Franklin County public school districts;
WHEREAS, this Council recognizes these disparities as a public health crisis that affects us of all-- moreover this council applauds ADAMH Board of Franklin County for steadfastly bringing these issues to our community’s attention with a year around focus on health awareness and eliminating the abuse of alcohol and other drugs in Frankli...
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