The Marin County Board of Supervisors on April 22 voted to proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month, accepting a presentation from county Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) on local crisis services and outreach.

BHRS Director Todd Shermer told the board the month ‘‘is a time for our community to raise awareness and create a community free of mental health stigma.’’ He described county services that include an access team, a 24/7 mobile crisis response, outpatient services, and a newly established suicide and overdose fatality review team. "This work includes the hard work of our staff and clinicians dedicated to those we serve," Shermer said.

Why it matters: Shermer told supervisors that BHRS prioritizes people on Medi-Cal or the uninsured and that the county’s crisis and prevention work seeks to reduce demand on emergency services. The presentation also highlighted the national 988 crisis line, which is answered locally by Buckalew Programs, and a locally produced video and outreach effort aimed at youth awareness.

BHRS prevention and early intervention supervisor Mario Garcia emphasized the availability of 988 as a free, confidential 24/7 service: "Whether someone is struggling with suicidality, depression, identity, relationships, or substance use, support is just a call away." Garcia said the county and partners are promoting 988 during May events.

Youth leaders participated in the presentation. Ava Helmold, identified as a youth member of the Marin 9 To 25 youth action team and founder of Break the Stigma, detailed a youth-led campaign and data pointing to distress among queer youth: she cited results from the California Healthy Kids Survey and said the youth action team launched a website and data collection survey in partnership with BHRS.

Public comment included support and requests for additional services. Several speakers praised the county’s staff and programs and urged expanded offerings or community education (for example, training in mental health first aid). One commenter asked whether the county’s crisis response addresses root causes such as bullying; BHRS representatives described available resources and the role of school- and community-based supports.

Board action and next steps: Supervisor Colbert moved and Supervisor Malton Peters seconded the motion to approve the proclamation. The board voice vote was recorded as passing. The county executive and BHRS said they would continue community planning under the Mental Health Services Act and Behavioral Health Services Act and encouraged public participation in May events, including a wellness festival and an art-and-film showcase.

Statements quoted in this report come from the BHRS presentation and public commenters during the April 22 meeting.