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Deschutes County proclaims May 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month; NAMI Central Oregon recognized
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed May 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month, recognized services and partnerships including NAMI Central Oregon, and highlighted county mental-health services and community events.
The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners proclaimed May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month during the May 7 meeting and acknowledged partnerships with local behavioral-health services and NAMI Central Oregon.
Speakers at the county table included representatives from NAMI Central Oregon and Holly Harris, Deschutes County Behavioral Health Director. Kenny Hadden, board chair for NAMI Central Oregon, described the importance of ending stigma and encouraging people to reach out for help; NAMI emphasized peer-led education, classes and support groups. Holly Harris praised NAMI’s partnership with county behavioral-health services and noted the county’s range of programs including a stabilization center and other supports.
The proclamation text cited national statistics and local context: it notes nearly one in five adults and adolescents in the U.S. live with mental illness and states that greater public awareness can reduce stigma and increase access to services; it formally proclaims May 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month in Deschutes County. Commissioners and NAMI representatives also highlighted a community Mental Health Awareness walk scheduled for May 18 in Pioneer Park and encouraged the public to attend.
Why it matters: County leaders said the proclamation highlights partnerships between government behavioral-health programs and community nonprofits, emphasizes the county’s investments in stabilization and community programs and aims to promote awareness and reduce stigma.
What’s next: County staff and NAMI will publicize the May 18 walk and ongoing NAMI classes and supports; the board encouraged public recognition of county and nonprofit behavioral‑health workers during Public Service Recognition Week.
