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Story County board proclaims May Mental Health Awareness Month; NAMI Central Iowa recalls local advocate
Summary
The Story County Board of Supervisors adopted a proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month and heard remarks from Roxanne Peterson of NAMI Central Iowa highlighting local advocacy and a May 16 remembrance event.
The Story County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted a proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month and called on local institutions and residents to increase awareness and access to services.
The proclamation, read during the board meeting, cited National Institute of Mental Health statistics on prevalence and age of onset and urged “citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools” to support early identification and treatment.
Roxanne Peterson, president and CEO of NAMI Central Iowa, represented the local chapter and spoke after the board approved the proclamation. Peterson recalled the life of a local resident, Richard Dayo, and described his legacy as a reminder that “a diagnosis doesn't have to define you.” Peterson asked residents to reframe a controversial phrase associated with Dayo as a call to vulnerability and acceptance and invited the public to a NAMI Central Iowa event on May 16 at 424 Fifth Street from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Peterson also said the May 16 event will include information about tardive dyskinesia, an involuntary movement disorder, and invited the community to attend for conversation and food. After the remarks, the board took a photo with Peterson and provided the proclamation to NAMI Central Iowa.
The board recorded a unanimous vote to adopt the proclamation.
