HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - PROCLAMATION - 05/18/2010 - PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY AS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH City of
Fort Collins
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, one in every four families is affected by a mental illness in a given year regardless
of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion or economic status; and
WHEREAS,Colorado is ranked as the 18th most depressed state and has the 9th highest suicide
rate in the United States; and
WHEREAS,the vast majority of children,youth,and adults in Colorado who have mental health
disorders are not receiving the help they need; and
WHEREAS,access to medically necessary medication and treatment helps prevent individuals
from ending up in emergency rooms and corrections facilities and from becoming homeless and, most
importantly, prevents suicide; yet with appropriate care, people who have a mental illness can recover
and lead full productive lives; and
WHEREAS, it costs 6.5 times more to incarcerate an individual experiencing mental health
issues than to treat them in the community. Indirect costs of mental illness in Larimer County total over
$22 million per year; and
WHEREAS, improvements are being made in the quality of and quantity of mental health care
that is being delivered, and research in this field is being accelerated and comprehensive, community-
based services that respond to individuals with mental health needs and their families are cost-effective
and beneficial to consumers and to our community; and
WHEREAS, Larimer Center for Mental Health observes nationally recognized Mental Health
Month every May to raise awareness and understanding of mental health and illness.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Doug Hutchinson, Mayor of the City of Fort Collins, do hereby
proclaim May 2010 as
MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
in the city of Fort Collins and call upon the citizens,government agencies,public and private institutions,
businesses and schools to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental
health, and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all citizens.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the City of Fort Collins
this 18th day of May, A.D. 2010.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk