Preble County Commissioners on Wednesday, May 8, proclaimed the month of May, Mental Health Awareness Month, recognizing awareness is crucial as mental health disorders affect millions of people worldwide. Commissioners passed a resolution to promote awareness and support. Local organizations and individuals, including Hope Squad members at each school district, are actively participating in awareness month, hosting activities like last week’s Hope Fair.
Eddie Mowen Jr. | The Register-Herald
EATON — Preble County Commissioners on Wednesday, May 8, proclaimed the month of May, Mental Health Awareness Month, recognizing awareness is crucial as mental health disorders affect millions of people worldwide.
Commissioners passed a resolution to promote awareness and support. Local organizations and individuals, including Hope Squad members at each school district, are actively participating in awareness month, hosting activities like last week’s Hope Fair.
Representatives from Recovery and Wellness and My Neighbor’s House joined Preble County Mental Health and Recovery Board Director Amy Raynes to celebrate the proclamation.
“And, Twin Valley South Hope Squad members are with us. It’s the first time we’ve had those members with us,” Raynes said. “We’re pretty proud of that program in our Preble County schools.”
Commissioner Adam Craft read the resolution proclaiming Mental Health Awareness Month into record.
“Good mental health is critical for the well-being and vitality of our Preble County families, businesses and communities; and approximately one in five Americans suffer from a mental disorder in any given year regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion or economic status,” the resolution noted.
“Whereas, in Ohio, nearly five people die by suicide each day,” Craft read. “And whereas, One in five youth either currently have or have had a debilitating mental illness at some point in their life; and whereas, 57 percent of adults with mental illness receive no treatment; and whereas, mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorders are real, common and treatable illnesses; and whereas, The Preble County Mental Health & Recovery Board and their partner agencies celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month in May to raise awareness of mental health and illness; now, therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Preble County Commissioners does hereby proclaim May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Preble County and further calls upon the citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools in Preble County to recommit themselves to increasing awareness and understanding of mental illness and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with these illnesses.”
Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.
