Clearfield County proclaims May 2025 as Mental Health and Stigma Awareness Month

The Clearfield County Commissioners on May 13 unanimously approved a proclamation designating May 2025 as Mental Health and Stigma Awareness Month in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.

The proclamation, read at the commissioners' regular meeting, says mental health is an essential part of overall well-being and calls on residents to “educate themselves and others about mental health conditions, treatment options, and available resources.” It also urges residents to “challenge stigma by speaking respectfully and inclusively about mental health.”

Brooke Gunning, cofounder of the local nonprofit Hit the Stigma and a counselor-advocate at an area sexual-assault awareness agency, told the commissioners the proclamation “is extremely meaningful to us and to the community. It sends a very quick message that mental health matters, that stigma must end.” She described the organization’s third annual Pick the Stigma event, scheduled for Saturday the 17th at DuBois City Park with kickball and pickleball tournaments and speakers on topics including autism and foster care.

A motion to approve the proclamation carried without dissent. Commissioners posed no substantive amendments to the language and signed the proclamation, which the board said would be shared with event organizers.

The board encouraged residents to attend community events tied to the proclamation and to seek local resources if they or someone they know is struggling with mental health challenges. Commissioners also noted other community events that weekend, including a regional Relay for Life at the fairgrounds.

The proclamation directs residents to seek help when needed and to support organizations that provide mental health services and advocacy.