Summit County proclaims May 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month and reviews behavioral-health duties

Summit County Council adopted Proclamation 2025-02 to recognize May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month and heard a training briefing on the county’s role as the local behavioral health authority.

Aaron Newman, the county behavioral health official, briefed the council on responsibilities under state code and on new duties added during the most recent legislative session, including expanded jail-based behavioral-health services, coordination for justice-involved individuals, and a requirement to coordinate homelessness-concerned resources where no homelessness council exists. Newman said state funding was provided for some new jail and parole-related services but that the county was still waiting for guidance from the Office of Substance Use and Mental Health.

Anna, director of the Mental Wellness Alliance, outlined the county’s series of Mental Health Awareness Month events, beginning with a May 6 kickoff at Temple Har Shalom and continuing through the end of May. "Our objective really for the month of May is to not only raise awareness, but it's really to bring our community around mental health," Anna said. The activities include panels, workshops, a health fair with the Park City Library, film screenings and events focused on substance use disorder and mental health and aging.

The council read the proclamation aloud, which referenced local prevalence figures included by staff. Candace moved to adopt Proclamation 2025-02 recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month; Roger seconded and the motion carried by voice vote. Council members commended the behavioral-health staff and community partners and invited residents to participate in the awareness events.