HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - PROCLAMATION - 05/01/2012 - PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 2012 AS MENTAL HEALTH MPROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, mental health is essential to everyone’s overall physical health and emotional well-
being, yet 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; and
WHEREAS, it costs 6.5 times more to incarcerate an individual experiencing mental health issues
than to treat them in the community and indirect costs of mental illness in Larimer County total over $22
million per year; and
WHEREAS, improvements are being made in the quality and quantity of mental health care that
is being delivered, and research in this field is being accelerated; and
WHEREAS, with appropriate care, people who have a mental illness can recover and lead full,
productive lives 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.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Karen Weitkunat, Mayor of the City of Fort collins do hereby proclaim
May 2012 as
MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
in Fort Collins. I 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 1st day of May, A.D. 2012.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Interim City Clerk