WHEREAS, mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, everyone experiences times of difficulty and stress throughout their lives, and one in five adults struggles to address a mental health issue in any given year; and

WHEREAS, people with mental illnesses make important contributions to their families and our communities; and

WHEREAS, with early detection and effective treatment, individuals who suffer with mental health conditions can recover and lead full, productive lives while also effectively reducing the burden of mental health conditions on individuals and their families; and

WHEREAS, engaging in prevention strategies such as early identification of warning signs and symptoms and early intervention are effective ways to reduce the burden of mental illnesses; and

WHEREAS, research supports specific tools like connecting with others, being physically active and seeking professional help if needed to assist anyone to better handle challenges and protect their health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, mental health conditions are real and prevalent in our nation, but stigma and fear of discrimination keep many who would benefit from mental health services from seeking help; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, in partnership with Virginia Association of Community Services Boards, has provided Mental Health First Aid to over 90,000 citizens of the Commonwealth as a statewide approach to mental health wellness by providing training by certified trainers of individuals residing or working in the Commonwealth on how to identify and assist individuals who have or may be developing a mental health or substance use disorder or who may be experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis; and

WHEREAS, every business, school, government agency, healthcare provider, organization and citizen share the burden of untreated mental health conditions and benefits greatly from promoting wellness and supporting prevention efforts;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 2023, as MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.