Mental Health Awareness Month

Published on May 13, 2024

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance started in 1949 by Mental Health America to bring attention to the importance of mental wellbeing and taking care of the whole person.

During this month, across the country, individuals and organizations step up to raise awareness of and address the challenges of mental health.

Mental health is finally receiving the attention it deserves because it affects all of us. Oftentimes, people wait an average of 8-10 years before they seek help for their mental health for the first time. Public health has a role to address the stigma surrounding mental health diagnoses and struggles, the reluctance of people to seek help sooner, and difficulties in access to behavioral health care.

We are proud to report key initiatives in mental health along with receiving our Level 1 Trauma-Informed Certification. Metro Health is leading the way for all City departments to achieve this Trauma-Informed Certification.  Improving the coordination of mental health services by strengthening community assets to ensure emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing for people and communities is a priority area in Metro Health’s multi-year SA Forward plan. Through this plan, Metro Health is committed to supporting essential partnerships that promote social connection and create spaces for compassion and healing.

Through open dialogue, cultivating empathy and understanding, we can lead the way toward mental wellness.