Pictured during the LAUNCH event at SALA on May 19 with a Los Alamos County proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month are, from left, Brandi Weiss, Los Alamos Community Foundation Anchorum Fellow and Program Manager, Jessica Strong, LAC Social Services Manager, Cull, Jennifer McNeel, Program Manager at Los Alamos JJAB, and Liz Martineau, executive director of the Los Alamos Community Foundation. Photo Courtesy LAC

Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation

WHEREAS, mental health is essential to overall health and well-being, and all people experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives; and

WHEREAS, one in five adults and one in six youth experience a diagnosable mental health condition each year, yet many go without the care and support they need; and

WHEREAS, stigma and misunderstanding continue to pose barriers to individuals seeking help, but community education and open conversations can foster a culture of support and acceptance; and

WHEREAS, Los Alamos is home to dedicated professionals, advocates, community organizations, schools, and first responders who work tirelessly to promote mental wellness and provide care and resources to those in need; and

WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to shine a light on mental health, reduce stigma, celebrate recovery, and encourage our community to prioritize mental well-being just as we do physical health; and

WHEREAS, local organization are leading the way with programs that support youth, adults, and families, and they deserve recognition and community support, including the newly formed Los Alamos Uniting for Community Health, also known as LAUNCH, with its initial suicide prevention trainings that kick off this month and will continue throughout the year, and then expand into more mental health trainings and supports into the future.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Los Alamos County Council does hereby proclaim the month of May 2025 as:

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

in Los Alamos, and we call upon all community members, organizations, businesses, schools, and faith-based organizations to pursue mental health-related trainings so that we create a compassionate, caring community for all who are struggling.