Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign a Proclamation recognizing May 2021 as “Mental Health Month” in the County of El Dorado;
2) Receive a presentation from Behavioral Health staff about our clients' lived experiences; and
3) Receive a presentation from the National Alliance on Mental Illness El Dorado County recognizing El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy Jeff Whitlock with their proclamation for his work contributing to programs that intersect law enforcement and mental illness.
FUNDING: N/A.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The month of May has historically been named “Mental Health Month” both nationally and in the State of California. Since at least 2006, the County of El Dorado Board of Supervisors has adopted a proclamation naming May as “Mental Health Month.”
Mental health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make contributions to his or her community. Mental Health is critical to the well-being of our families, communities, schools, and businesses. Throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic, El Dorado County residents’ resiliency has been put to the test. As we begin to emerge from the Public Health Emergency, it is important to take note of how our community has come together to take care of one another. There is no better time to recognize this than during Mental Health Month.
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Behavioral Health Division, is very grateful to our mental health consumers who have come forward to share their stories of inspiration and hope. Through sharing their personal stories, they hope to have a positive impact on ending the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health needs.
Additionally, the National Alliance on Mental Illness El Dorado County (NAMI El Dorado) works tirelessly to educate, advocate, and collaborate with community partners, including El Dorado County, to improve the lives of people with mental illness and their loved ones. NAMI El Dorado is honored to recognize El Dorado County Sheriff Deputy Jeff Whitlock for his leadership, compassion, and understanding of the intersection between law enforcement and mental illness. Deputy Whitlock consistently demonstrates law enforcement best practices when addressing the needs of the mentally ill population in El Dorado County, and NAMI El Dorado recognizes that his leadership, understanding, and compassion are examples to both law enforcement and the mental health community. For these reasons, NAMI El Dorado is pleased to recognize El Dorado County Sheriff Deputy Whitlock for his positive community-oriented collaboration and helping to break the barriers associated with law enforcement involvement with individuals and families affected by mental illness.
HHSA is grateful to our community members, our community partners, and our mental health advocates for their tenacious and unrelenting spirit of educating others about mental health.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could decline to adopt this Proclamation recognizing May as National Mental Health Month.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
1) 05-05-2020, 20-0534, HHSA Mental Health Month Proclamation
2) 05-14-2019, 19-0498, HHSA Mental Health Month Proclamation
3) 05-08-2018, 18-0602, HHSA Mental Health Month Proclamation
4) 05-09-2017, 17-0162, HHSA Mental Health Month Proclamation
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this proclamation.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Obtain the Chair’s signature on one (1) Proclamation.
2) Return the signed Proclamation to HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County Strategic Goal: “Healthy Communities.”
CONTACT
Don Semon, Director