Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mental Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Montgomery County proclaims World Mental Health Day, spotlights workplace supports
Summary
Montgomery County Council on Oct. 8 recognized World Mental Health Day, with county and nonprofit leaders highlighting workplace mental-health programs, the LiveWell employee initiative and county investments in mobile crisis teams and 988 crisis services.
Montgomery County Council on Oct. 8 issued a proclamation recognizing World Mental Health Day and used the observance to stress the county’s focus on mental health in the workplace.
Councilmember Laurie Ann Sales introduced the proclamation and said a healthy work environment is critical to reducing turnover and improving outcomes for employees and their families. “When we recognize that mental health is essential to our overall well-being, we can work to reduce barriers to care,” Sales said.
Dr. Earl Stoddard, assistant chief administrative officer for the Department of Health and Human Services, described county programs such as Bridges to Wellness, mobile crisis outreach teams and school-based health centers. Stoddard urged residents to use the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and cited an estimate — given in the proclamation — that depression and anxiety contribute to a large number of lost workdays worldwide. He also said Montgomery County saw a rise in emergency-room visits for suicide attempts last year and called for continued investment in services.
Kelly Collins, senior director of human resources at Everymind, described employer-focused supports her nonprofit uses, including an employee assistance program, six wellness days and leadership development for managers to better support staff. “By listening and responding to our team’s needs, we can foster a healthier and more productive workplace,” Collins said.
Lily Rojas, wellness program manager for the county’s LiveWell initiative, reviewed county employee resources — mental health first aid, stress-management programs, on-site resources and tactical brain training for first responders — and noted the county maintained a Gold Bell Seal recognition for workplace mental health for a second year.
Dr. Stoddard read the formal proclamation, which urges employers to ensure safe and healthy work environments and acknowledges county efforts including mobile crisis teams and 988. The proclamation was presented by Councilmember Sales on behalf of the council and County Executive Mark Elrich.
The meeting continued with other proclamations and agenda items; no formal action was required for the mental-health proclamation.
