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La Porte City Council proclaims May as Mental Health Awareness Month
Summary
The La Porte City Common Council unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month after a presentation by a Swanson Center representative and discussion of local suicide and youth self-harm statistics.
The La Porte City Common Council on Monday unanimously approved a resolution recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month following a presentation from a representative of the Swanson Center.
Jenny Heath, a foundation representative for the Swanson Center, urged the council to adopt the proclamation and pointed to local indicators of rising youth mental-health needs. "This year alone, the number of students reporting thoughts of self harm or suicide in the La Porte County Schools nearly doubled. It went from 42 cases up to nearly 75 in 1 year alone," Heath said.
The resolution, read into the record by Clerk-Treasurer Ms. Partthon, declares the council27s intent to increase awareness, reduce stigma, promote available resources and encourage open conversations about mental health across the community. The document mirrors a county proclamation the speakers noted: La Porte County Commissioners previously passed resolution 2025-4 in support of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Council members asked questions about local resources and referral pathways. Heath directed residents seeking help to the Swanson Center website and phone line and noted the national suicide hotline number, 988. Heath also described an annual county event, the Run for Hope, scheduled for Sept. 13 in Trail Creek, intended to raise awareness and connect residents with services.
The council voted to adopt the proclamation after a motion and second; the clerk recorded the motion as passed. No council member votes were recorded by name in the transcript.
The formal proclamation directs the city to encourage residents and stakeholders to support mental health awareness and calls for increased public information and reduced stigma. The resolution did not appropriate funds or create a new program; it is a recognition and awareness measure.
Community members were offered printed impact statements and information about Swanson Center services to take from the council chambers.
The council27s action places the city alongside the county in publicly marking Mental Health Awareness Month and directs attention to local behavioral-health resources during a time when school-reported incidents have increased.
