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Montgomery County Council proclaims June as Mental Health Awareness Month, spotlights youth and community services
Summary
Council President Kate Stewart and Council Member Gabe Albanese presented a proclamation recognizing National Mental Health Awareness Month; county health leaders, community providers and youth ambassadors called for increased school-based services, peer programs and culturally responsive care.
The Montgomery County Council issued a proclamation June 24 recognizing National Mental Health Awareness Month and praised local partners working to expand access to behavioral health services.
Council President Kate Stewart opened the ceremony and said mental health is a priority of her presidency this year. Council Member Gabe Albanese, chair of the Health and Human Services committee, described recent county efforts and a recent summit that brought together county, nonprofit and private providers to coordinate services.
Dr. Keisha Davis, Montgomery County’s health officer, told the council that mental health “is health” and urged the county to create safe, culturally affirming spaces for youth and other groups who face barriers to care. “Today we say it’s okay to not be okay,” Dr. Davis said.
Local service providers highlighted existing county programs and gaps. Virak Kurdian, CEO of Advanced Behavioral Health, described targeted case-management services that serve families as well as youth and emphasized partnerships with community providers.
Several student ambassadors from the Be The 1 Youth Ambassadors described rising levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness among teens and urged more school-based supports. Leah Kisson cited CDC and Trevor Project survey results showing significant increases in youth mental-health struggles and recommended integrating mental-health education into school curricula and expanding peer-led programs.
The proclamation cites county crisis resources (including 988 mobile crisis outreach teams and crisis stabilization centers) and urges residents to seek help when needed. The council presented the proclamation to county and community partners and invited attendees to continue collaborating on prevention, intervention and recovery efforts.
