Solano County celebrates May is Mental Health Month

May 4, 2015

SOLANO COUNTY – Mental illness can affect anyone, including family members, friends, children, the elderly and men and women of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

"That's why it’s so important to recognize Mental Health Month and bring the issues and challenges surrounding mental health in California to the forefront," said Halsey Simmons, Solano County Health and Social Services, Mental Health Director.

The tradition of celebrating Mental Health Month began in 1949 as a unified effort to raise awareness of mental health issues and mental wellness for all.  This May, Simmons believes it is more important than ever that Californians understand the role that local programs play in improving the lives of individuals and families whose lives are affected by Mental Illness.

“Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing,” Simmons says.  “Mental illnesses are treatable, and most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by getting help and by learning ways to better manage their illness.”

This year’s theme underscores the concept that good public policy begins with prevention.  As part of the public awareness campaign, the Mental Health division advocates the important role mental health plays in our lives and encourages members of the community to learn more about their own mental health and to take action immediately if they are experiencing symptoms of mental illness.

“Intervening as early as possible preserves education, employment, social supports, housing and healthy cognition,” Simmons says.  “Prevention and Early Intervention can help keep people connected to their families and their community and costs less than the all-too-common revolving door of incarceration, hospitalization, and homelessness.”

In recognition of May is Mental Health Month some community events have been planned, including:

-  Solano County Board of Supervisors meeting, resolution to recognize May is Mental Health Month in Solano County, Tuesday, May 5 at 9 a.m., Board Chambers, 675 Texas Street in Fairfield

-  Opening Ceremonies for May is Mental Health Month, Wednesday, May 6 from 1 – 4 p.m., 2101 Courage Dr., Multipurpose Room in Fairfield

-  Solano County Mental Health Advisory Board Meet the Artist Receptions, Thursday, May 7 from 3 – 5:30 p.m., Umpqua Bank, 1411 Oliver Road, Ste. 100, Fairfield and Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Cornerstore Gallery, 320 Cernon Street in Vacaville

-  May is Mental Health Month “Cammie Awards,” celebrating client achievements in wellness and recovery, Friday, May 23 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Foley Cultural Center, 1499 N. Camino Alto in Vallejo

Additionally, the activities planned provide an opportunity to address the public’s need for information about mental and emotional illnesses, as well as inform the community of the services provided by Health and Social Services on a daily basis to benefit mental health consumers and families.

Solano County Mental Health Services can be accessed through the toll-free Mental Health Line at (800) 547-0495.  23-hour Crisis services are available at 2101 Courage Drive, Fairfield.  For more information on the community events planned for May is Mental Health Month, including Mental Health services and County Mental Health’s Community partners, visit www.solanocounty.com/mentalhealth