PROCLAMATION from Fred Camillo, First Selectman
WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use creating an unprecedented mental health crisis across our country; and
WHEREAS, Anxiety was the greatest mental health concern for youth (12-17) at 64.3% and for young adults (18-25) at 43.2% in Southwestern Connecticut; and
WHEREAS, More than 12 million individuals in the United States of America have had serious thoughts of suicide; and
WHEREAS, Less than half of Americans struggling with mental illness receive the treatment they need; and
WHEREAS, Prevention is an effective way to reduce the impact of mental health conditions on individuals, families, and communities; and
WHEREAS, Although, suicide postvention occurs after a death by suicide, it is preventive in that it reduces suicide risk by identifying and supporting the emotional and mental health needs of loss survivors.
NOW, THEREFORE, l, Fred Camillo, FIRST SELECTMAN OF THE TOWN OF GREENWICH, do
hereby proclaim May 2022 as
Mental Health Awareness Month
in the Town of Greenwich to help raise awareness of mental health concerns and encourage law enforcement, first responders, prevention services, healthcare and treatment providers, human services agencies, clergy, community partners, and concerned residents to unite to address the mental health crisis.