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Madera County proclaims May 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month
Summary
Behavioral Health Services staff asked the board to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month and outlined county events and partnerships aimed at reducing stigma and expanding prevention and early intervention services.
The Madera County Board of Supervisors recognized May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month after presentations from Behavioral Health Services staff.
Marisela Turkelson, program supervisor for behavioral health outreach and engagement, asked the board to support the proclamation, citing local community health assessment data indicating mental health, substance use and access to care remain major concerns. Turkelson said California prevalence estimates indicate more than 10,000 adults and youth in Madera County may be living with a serious mental health condition, including roughly 3,500 children and youth.
Maribel Gonzales, health education coordinator, described planned activities including a mental health conference and resource fair, virtual English/Spanish workshops, a social media campaign, banners over Yosemite Avenue and at behavioral health sites, school‑based activities, senior self‑care workshops and collaborations with community partners such as Madera Unified School District and CalViva Promotoras. The board thanked staff and accepted the proclamation; staff offered to provide event materials to supervisors for distribution.
The board presented a certificate and staff circulated informational bags and giveaways for supervisors.
