PROCLAMATION
Mental Health Month – May 2026
WHEREAS, mental health is part of overall health and mental health helps to sustain an individual’s thought processes, relationships, productivity, and ability to adapt to change or face adversity; and
WHEREAS, mental illness adversely affects those abilities and can be life-threatening in nature; and
WHEREAS, many people experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives in any given year, and such problems can contribute to the onset of mental illness; and
WHEREAS, with early and effective interventions, those individuals with mental health conditions can recover and lead full, productive lives; and
WHEREAS, the value of recovery is well-documented, and people seeking help should expect to be met by a recovery-oriented behavioral health system, and the knowledge and expectation that anyone can recover and/or manage their condition successfully; and
WHEREAS, talking about mental health can reduce stigma and increase awareness of the devastating consequences of unaddressed mental illness; and
WHEREAS, each business, school, government agency, healthcare provider, organization, and citizen share the responsibility to promote mental wellness and support prevention efforts; and
WHEREAS, investing in mental health and safety is critical to building strong workplaces and strong communities; and
WHEREAS, every person, including those affected by mental illness, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect; and
WHEREAS, the Allegany County Legislature is very proud of the efforts of all mental healthcare providers, public and private, in rendering services to the residents of Allegany County;
NOW THEREFORE, I, W. BROOKE HARRIS, Chairman of the Allegany County Board of Legislators, on behalf of the members of this Legislature, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 Mental Health Month in Allegany County to increase public understanding of the importance of mental health and to promote identification and treatment of mental illness.