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Orange County supervisors honor AAPI, Jewish American and Mental Health Awareness months
Summary
At its May 20 meeting the Orange County Board of Supervisors recognized Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighted local community organizations and resources, and noted county investments in behavioral health.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors used the opening of its May 20, 2025 meeting to recognize multiple heritage months and to highlight local behavioral health resources.
Vice Chair Katrina Foley and other supervisors led a presentation marking Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, noting Orange County’s sizeable AAPI population and the economic and cultural contributions of AAPI‑owned businesses. Foley introduced several community leaders and nonprofit representatives, including OCAPICA founder Marianne Fu and representatives of the Asian Business Association of Orange County, who described local outreach during the COVID‑19 pandemic and ongoing community programs.
The board also marked Jewish American Heritage Month. Supervisors cited the county’s Jewish institutions and organizations and acknowledged the recent rise in antisemitic incidents nationally as motivation for continued community education and local support. Supervisors cited local Jewish community organizations — including the Jewish Federation of Orange County — and flagged upcoming cultural events.
Separately, Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento led recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and thanked county behavioral health staff and partner organizations for outreach and crisis services. County staff and supervisors highlighted a countywide investment in behavioral health and program expansion in schools through CalOptima telehealth services. The board also reminded residents about local resources for help with behavioral health concerns — including the OC Navigator site and OC Links — and corrected a public phone number reference during remarks, noting that 988 is the national mental‑health crisis number.
Why it matters: Supervisors used the observances to emphasize both community celebration and ongoing challenges: while marking cultural contributions and resilience, they also underlined local efforts to address stigma, expand culturally competent services and prepare for the state’s behavioral health funding transition.
