Mental Health Awareness Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Mental Health Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to highlight the importance of mental health and celebrate recovery, is recognized each May and is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more than 20 years; and

WHEREAS, mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, that affects how individuals think, feel, act, cope with stress, and connect with others; and

WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in five U.S. adults (23 percent) live with a mental illness, and four in ten U.S. students report persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness; and

WHEREAS, although mental health conditions are common in the United States, stigma driven by limited awareness and education, along with fear of discrimination, prevents many people from seeking care, and while every citizen feels the effects of untreated mental health conditions, all benefit from efforts that promote awareness and support mental wellness; and

WHEREAS, early intervention is essential for effectively managing mental health conditions, promoting recovery, improving quality of life, and reducing social and economic impacts on individuals, families, and communities; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services (DBHDS) in partnership with Virginia Association of Community Services Boards (VACSB), provides statewide mental health first aid training through certified instructors to help Virginians identify and support individuals experiencing or at risk of mental health or substance use challenges; and

WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness, enhance education about the importance of mental health, and promote improved mental well-being for Virginians across the Commonwealth; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize MAY 2026, as MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.