Lake County ADAMHS Board Executive Director Kim Fraser spoke to Lake County commissioners at a recent meeting where the board adopted a special resolution declaring May “Mental Health Awareness Month.” (Chad Felton — The News-Herald)
Lake County Commissioners again unanimously adopted a special resolution declaring May “Mental Health Awareness Month” and declaring more focused and specific efforts.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, which began nationwide in 1949, Mental Health America promotes “Look Around and Look Inward,” an effort to consider every part of the environment and its impact on the mental health and well-being of our population.
According to the Alexandria, Virginia-based community-based nonprofit, roughly one in five Americans — more than 53 million people — currently suffer from a mental health problem.
Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board staff continue to enforce the board’s actions and raise awareness of the important role that mental health and overall wellness play in everyday life.
According to Executive Director Kim Fraser, the ADAMHS board plans to focus on helping the public:
• Learn how modern life affects your mental health with new resources to help you navigate a changing world
• Build and act on a toolbox for dealing with stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations
• Advocate for better mental health for yourself, your loved ones and your community
The ADAMHS Board’s Compass Line toolkit is a central, easy-to-use entry point that provides free, practical resources for addressing mental health and substance use services, Fraser noted.
“If you have questions about mental illness, please reach out to our strong community support system, which can help you sort through your feelings and symptoms and explore your options,” she said. “It’s important we continue to shed light on this issue.”
Additionally, Compass Line has access to ADAMHS board provider information, referrals and wait times, linking individuals directly to the services they need.
Behavioral Health Navigation Specialists are available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 440-350-2000. For more information, visit HelpThatWorks.us
“It is important that we prioritize mental health education and resources for our community,” said Commissioner John Plecnic. “Ignoring symptoms of mental health disorders can lead to further problems. Prevention, early detection and intervention are critical steps in the process to recovery.”
Commissioner John Hamerchek noted that it is important that individuals feel empowered to ask for help and assistance when they need it.
“And the Lake County ADAMHS Board’s network of nonprofits and services ensures Lake County residents can thrive,” he said.
Commissioner Richard Legovich said speaking out about living with a mental illness can help others learn how to spot the symptoms and become agents of recovery.
“The ADAMHS Board plays an important role in promoting mental health in our community by raising awareness of community services, and we encourage individuals to take advantage of the resources available to them.”
For more information about Mental Health Awareness Month, visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.
