PROCLAMATION

A PROCLAMATION TO DESIGNATE MAY 2002 AS 

MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

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

WHEREAS, one in five American adults and children are affected by a mental illness; and

WHEREAS, mental health problems do not discriminate. They know no race, creed, age limit or economic status; and

WHEREAS, people with mental illness can recover and lead full, productive lives; and

WHEREAS, an estimated two-thirds of adults and young people with mental health problems are not getting the help they need; and

WHEREAS, untreated or under treated mental illness costs public and private employers billions of dollars annually through absenteeism, turnover, low productivity and increased medical costs; and

WHEREAS, Fauquier County has made a commitment to community-based systems of mental health care in which all residents can receive high-quality and consumer-responsive services; and

WHEREAS, the National Mental Health Association, the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare and their national partners observe Mental Health Month every May to raise awareness and understanding of mental health and illness; now, therefore, be it

PROCLAIMED, by the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors this 15^th day of April 2002 that the Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim May 2002 as Mental Health Month in Fauquier County.  The Board of Supervisors also calls upon all Fauquier County citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental illness and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental illnesses.

 _____________________________

Raymond E. Graham

Chairman