Nueces County proclaims May 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month; NAMI urges continued outreach

The Nueces County Commissioner's Court on May 21 unanimously adopted a resolution declaring May 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month in the county and encouraging community efforts to reduce stigma and improve access to care.

The resolution, read aloud during the meeting, noted national statistics cited to justify awareness efforts and urged the community to "come together to help end the silence and stigma of mental illness." Andrea from the county read the resolution into the record during the meeting.

Heather Loeb, identified in the meeting as representing NAMI Greater Corpus Christi, told the court that "this month gives hopes hope to those who might be struggling in silence, so they can share their story." Loeb emphasized that stigma keeps some people from seeking care and highlighted suicide as a critical concern, saying, "suicide is the twelfth leading cause of death in The US" and that rising suicide deaths make public conversation a life-or-death issue.

County leaders, including Judge Scott and several commissioners, thanked Loeb and NAMI volunteers for year-round work, praised local outreach efforts and noted upcoming NAMI events. The court presented the resolution and invited a photo with NAMI representatives.

The proclamation does not itself appropriate funds or create new county programs; the court recorded the vote approving the proclamation and moved on to other agenda business.

The immediate practical outcome of the item was the formal proclamation and public recognition of local NAMI activities; court members urged continued awareness and outreach throughout the year.