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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNational Mental Health MonthMAR-30-2004 TUE 06:06 PM ADULT/OLDER ADULT FAX NO. 909 358 6924 P. 01 Riverside County Department of Mental Health Office of Jose Viillaaane Mental Wealth Services Manager 3840 Myers Street Rivoraide, CA 92803 000,358.4SO 909.358.5924 FAX Fax Tea PO4- Fay= 7 --5 .57cfL f Adult and Older Adult Services/PAU From: Jane McCoy, Secretary Pages: barite ei /t= s� CC: W aa. cxr n N D n -tr— rn rn la vs 414 Urgent ❑ For Review 0 Please Comment ❑ Please Ropry ❑ Please RBcye to • Conpnda; tat tiJo-P-P-Ag Ck -6`e (909 �s—g,11/- e:t1S-47 5 ( k Naming: The documents accompanying this transmission may contain opnridennal heaffh Mama plMleged. ?'his Information is intended only for they use of the it dMduol(s) or entity named herein. The authorized recipientthis intimation is prohibited 1Parn **Waging to any other party unless requvrod to do so by km to if you are not the intended mcpaiont, you en9 hereby notified that nay disclosure, copying distribution, or action taken in reliance on the contents of these documents is strictly prohagted. M you have received this inter xenon in error please notify the sender rhnn adiatey and destroy a►transrnth od documents Received Mar-30-04 05:05pm From-000 358 6924 To -PALM DESERT CITY.CLE Page 01 • • RIVERSIDE COUNTY JOHN J. RYAN, DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH Reply to: March 12, 2004 The Honorable Mayor Robert Spiegel Palm Desert City Hall 73-510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 Mental Health Board 4095 County Circle Drive Riverside, CA 92503 SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION FOR MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH Dear Mayor Spiegel: We would like to request your assistance in creating public awareness of mental health issues in your community by issuing a proclamation from the City of Palm Desert in support of MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH. Since 1949, Mental Health Month has opened the eyes of the American public to the importance of mental health and the reality of mental illnesses. Initiated as a weeklong public education campaign, it instantly enjoyed the involvement of many mental health association and other groups across the country. The observance soon grew into a month's worth of activities, and Congress has officially designated May as Mental Health Month. For your convenience, I am enclosing a suggested proclamation that you might wish to use. If at all possible, we would like to have the proclamation issued at your City Council meeting during your last meeting in April or your first meeting in May. We will make arrangements for a member of the Mental Health Board to be present to accept the proclamation on behalf of the Department of Mental Health. We plan to display the proclamations in our mental health clinics. We hope that you and the members of your City Council will participate in helping to eliminate the stigma of mental illness in your community by proclaiming May as Mental Health Month. If you have any questions, please contact Jane McCoy at (909) 358-4549. Thank you very much for your assistance. Sincerely, J. Ryan, Direct Department of Mental Health Enclosure POST OFFICE BOX 7549 - RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92513 MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH WHEREAS, Mental health is critical to the well-being and vitality of Riverside County's citizens, families, communities, and businesses; and WHEREAS, The President's New Freedom Commission declared that mental disorders and mental health problems, including substance abuse disorders, affect people of all backgrounds and all stages of life, and that no one is immune; and WHEREAS, The World Health Organization found that mental illnesses collectively are the most prevalent health problem in the United States today, more common than cancer and lung and heart disease combined, and are the number one cause of disability in the United States; and WHEREAS, Mental illnesses, including substance abuse, affect one in five Americans every year, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or economic status; and WHEREAS, One in ten children has a serious mental disorder that, if untreated, can lead to poor performance or failure in school, physical illness, substance abuse, and suicide; and WHEREAS, Mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders are real, common, and treatable; and WHEREAS, The long-term consequences of untreated mental disorders in children and adults are costly, in both human and fiscal terms; and WHEREAS, The County of Riverside recognizes the need for a comprehensive, community -based system of mental health care for all citizens and a commitment to the core values and guiding principles of a system of care for children with mental health needs and their families; Therefore, I, , do hereby proclaim May 2004 Mental Health Month in Riverside County, California. As the , I also call upon the residents of Riverside County, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools to recommit our community to increase awareness and understanding of mental health illness and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental illnesses.