TITLE
Title
PROCLAIM MAY AS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Commissioner Kay Cashion
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RESOLUTION
Resolution
WHEREAS mental health is the overall wellness of how individuals think, regulate their feelings, and manage their behaviors, forming a foundational component of their ability to cope with stress, build relationships, and contribute to their community; and”
WHEREAS, sometimes individuals experience a significant disturbance in mental functioning, which may signal an underlying mental health disorder and highlight the importance of early recognition, support, and access to appropriate care; and”;
WHEREAS, nearly one in five adults and one in five adolescents in the United States live with a mental illness, and local data reflect similar trends in Guilford County, where thousands of residents each year seek treatment and support for mental health conditions, underscoring the importance of community awareness, early intervention, and accessible care; and””
WHEREAS, in 2025, the Guilford County Behavioral Health Center served more than 20,000 individuals; there were more than 12,000 visits to the Behavioral Health Urgent Care; and more than 18,000 visits to the adult Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic; and as we commemorate the Center’s five years of service to the community, we celebrate its ongoing commitment to accessible, responsive, and compassionate behavioral health care for all residents of Guilford County;”
WHEREAS,. through our Behavioral Health Center and strong partnerships with community providers, hospitals, first responders, and advocacy organizations, Guilford County serves as a vital safety net for residents in need; and”
WHEREAS, any resident experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis may visit the Behavioral Health Urgent Care for immediate support, or may call or text 9‑8‑8 to reach trained counselors at the national mental health crisis line, ensuring timely, compassionate, and life‑saving assistance is always accessible.” and
WHEREAS Guilford County is pleased to provide EMT support to the City of Greensboro’s Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT), a specialized unit within the Greensboro Police Department trained to respond to incidents involving individuals experiencing mental illness or crisis, and this partnership reflects the strong interagency collaboration that ensures residents receive coordinated, compassionate, and needs‑based responses across multiple public safety and behavioral health systems; and”
WHEREAS, it is critical to ‘Break the Stigma’ and talk openly about mental health just as we do any other physical health condition, fostering a community where residents feel supported, valued, and
WHEREAS, Guilford County Government will join our mental health partners in hosting and supporting mental health awareness events throughout the month of May, as we unite with Mental Health America in promoting the slogan ‘More Good Days Together’; and”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Guilford County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month and encourage all citizens to increase their awareness and understanding of mental illness, improve the array of mental health services for consumers of all ages, and ensure those who struggle know they are not alone, and we will make more good days together.
ADOPTED this 21st day of May 2026.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Guilford County.
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