WHEREAS, the Cook County Board of Commissioner unanimously voted to Recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2021; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization (WHO), determines mental health 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 contribute to his or her community; and
WHEREAS, according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 2021, there were an estimated 57.8 million adults aged 18 or older in the United States with Any Mental Illness (AMI). This number represented 22.8% of all U.S. adults. Young adults aged 18-25 years had the highest prevalence of AMI (33.7%) compared to adults aged 26-49 years (28.1%) and aged 50 and older (15.0%). The prevalence of AMI was higher among females (27.2%) than males (18.1%); and
WHEREAS, all Americans face challenges in life that can impact their mental health, whether it is due to the loss of a loved one, socioeconomics circumstances and especially during a pandemic; and
WHEREAS, each business, school, government agency, health care provider, organization and citizen share the burden of mental health problems and has a responsibility to promote mental wellness and support prevention and treatment efforts; and
WHEREAS, according to the American Psychiatrist Association Mental Health Stigma often comes from lack of understanding or fear. Inaccurate or misleading media representations of mental illness contribute to both those factors. A review of studies on stigma shows that while the public may accept the medical or genetic nature of a mental health disorder and the need for treatment, many people still have a negative view of those with mental illness; and
WHEREAS, changing the stigma on Mental Health begins with changing the language of how mental health issues are presented.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Cook County declares the month of May as Mental Health and Wellness Month in Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, We establish May, 19th as Mental Health and Wellness Awareness Day in Cook County, where we encourage Cook County to continue to focus on promoting mental wellness and providing mental wellness services in the form of meditation, stress reduction and healthy eating classes for employees; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the County Board hereby supports the efforts to raise awareness of mental health and wellness issues and the importance of maintaining one’s mental state and also encourages Cook County Commissioners and all governmental agencies to conduct and promote activities as it relates to mental health and wellness month.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, a suitable copy of this resolution is spread upon the official proceedings of this honorable body.