Franklin County designates ‘Mental Health Mondays,’ previews Soul Talks summit

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners on a unanimous vote adopted a resolution to recognize every Monday as “Mental Health Monday,” part of a broader effort to mark May as Mental Health Awareness Month and expand county-level supports.

Commission President Crowley opened the session noting the importance of destigmatizing mental health and shared personal reflections on living with depression and anxiety. Commissioner Boyce formally presented the resolution and described the May 19 Soul Talks empowerment summit, which he said would offer an intergenerational convening from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for youth and seniors and an open community session from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., with workshops, a guardianship panel and resources for families.

Troy Bivens, deputy county administrator, said more than 1,000 people had registered for the free event and outlined sessions including a panel for parents of children with autism and a planned resource book of mental health and addiction services. “We’ve got a seat for everyone,” Bivens said.

The board’s action accompanies county initiatives such as the Credible Minds platform and other diversion and crisis services. Commissioners emphasized connections between mental health and other public-health priorities, including overdose and suicide prevention, noting local and national data suggesting many people with diagnosable mental illnesses do not receive adequate treatment.

The resolution was moved by Commissioner Boyce and seconded by Commissioner Crowley and was adopted during the general session. Officials said the summit and the Mental Health Mondays designation are intended to increase awareness, reduce stigma and connect residents to culturally responsive supports.

The board will host and promote the Soul Talks summit on May 19; organizers said the event is free and will provide clinical and community resources and multiple breakout sessions for veterans, youth and families.