Mental Health Month

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama
WHEREAS, May is recognized as National Mental Health Month; and
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, mental disorders, collectively, make mental illness the most prevalent health problem in America today – more common than cancer, lung and heart disease combined; 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, the State of Alabama 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, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2017, as
Mental Health Month
in the state of Alabama.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 3rd day of May 2017.
Kay Ivey
Governor