Imperial County board proclaims Juneteenth Day and Men’s Mental Health Month; adopts older‑adults proclamation

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on June 10 to adopt a series of proclamations recognizing Juneteenth Day (June 19, 2025), Men’s Mental Health Month (June 2025) and a county proclamation concerning older or dependent adults.

Polly Yanos, director of the Department of Social Services, and Sarah Entz, public administrator and director of the local Area Agency on Aging, presented the older‑adults proclamation and highlighted an increase in Adult Protective Services referrals. “While that’s a concern, it’s also a great thing because we think that we’re providing a tremendous amount of education in our community that helps individuals stay educated and perhaps report more abuse to our offices,” Yanos said.

Sarah Entz said the county coordinates with law enforcement and health partners on elder‑abuse response. “Elder abuse and dependent abuse can be a hidden crime, but we are educating,” she said, noting Del‑Norte Regional Medical Center (transcript: “Del Center Regional Medical Center”) as a frequent reporter to Adult Protective Services.

The board next adopted a proclamation declaring June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth Day. Speakers at the meeting emphasized that Juneteenth is “an American holiday” and invited the public to attend local observances.

The board also proclaimed June as Men’s Mental Health Month after remarks from Patrick Conde, president‑elect of the Alessandro Rotary Club, who urged the community to normalize mental‑health conversations. “Strength isn't about staying silent. It's about speaking up, seeking help, and supporting one another without judgment,” Conde said, and invited supervisors and residents to a panel discussion scheduled for June 30 at 5 p.m. at the Caballiname Motor Library (as stated in the meeting).

Votes at a glance

- Proclamation: Older/dependent adult services (proclamation text as presented in meeting record). Vote: yes — Supervisors Jesus Delardos Cova (District 1), Martha Cardenas Singh (District 2), Peggy Price (District 3), Ryan Elliot Kelly (District 4), John Hawk (District 5). - Proclamation: Juneteenth Day (June 19, 2025). Vote: yes — same five supervisors. - Proclamation: Men’s Mental Health Month (June 2025). Vote: yes — same five supervisors.

Ending — Presenters called the proclamations an opportunity for community education and collaboration among county agencies, health care partners and service groups. No county ordinances, budgetary appropriations or binding policy changes were made as part of these proclamations.