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Rensselaer County proclaims May 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month; deputy commissioner and peer specialist urge action
Summary
The legislature recognized May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. Deputy Commissioner Kirsten Donvito described county mental health services and staffing; a peer specialist from the Mental Health Empowerment Project shared a personal recovery story urging reduced stigma and outreach.
The Rensselaer County Legislature on May 12 adopted a resolution recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month and heard testimony from county mental-health officials and a peer specialist.
Kirsten Donvito, deputy commissioner of the Rensselaer County Mental Health Department, told the legislature she has served 30 years and said the department employs about 100 staff who work daily to connect residents with services and reduce barriers. "We really do need efforts to reduce stigma around mental health," Donvito said, asking for continued community and legislative support.
A peer specialist and coordinator with the Mental Health Empowerment Project shared a personal recovery narrative about overcoming abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression and addiction and described how peer support helped restore hope. The speaker said she initially believed her story "wasn't important enough to share" but that speaking up and accessing services changed her life.
The resolution, introduced by Legislator Grant, underscores county efforts to promote wellness, support recovery and encourage residents to seek help and community support. No new county funding or program commitments were recorded on the floor during the adoption of the resolution.
