The Columbus City Council convened on May 13, 2025, to address several key agenda items, with a significant focus on mental health awareness. The meeting began with Councilor Hickey presenting a proclamation in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of mental health as integral to overall well-being.

Councilor Hickey expressed his appreciation for New Horizon Behavioral Health, acknowledging their vital role in providing mental health services. He reflected on his past experiences in law enforcement, noting the lack of training on mental health issues during his early career. Hickey emphasized the importance of having resources like New Horizon available for individuals struggling with mental health challenges.

The proclamation read by Hickey underscored the history of Mental Health Awareness Month, which has been recognized since 1949. It aimed to reduce stigma associated with mental health treatment and highlighted the services provided by New Horizon, including programs like REACH and Emerge, which assist adults and adolescents with mental health and co-occurring disorders.

Susan Gallagher from New Horizon Behavioral Health followed Hickey's remarks, reinforcing the need to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders. She detailed the organization's involvement with various courts, including the mental health court and juvenile drug court, and their efforts to provide training for law enforcement through Crisis Intervention Training (CIT).

Gallagher also mentioned ongoing community initiatives, such as free mental health first aid training for parents and community leaders, aimed at equipping individuals with the knowledge to support those in need. She encouraged community members to engage with available resources and to consult their primary care physicians if they feel overwhelmed emotionally.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the community to participate in reducing stigma and promoting mental health awareness, emphasizing that mental health is a crucial aspect of overall health. The council's recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to support individuals facing mental health challenges in Columbus and beyond.