National Association of Counties
America’s counties are on the front line for mental health promotion and service delivery. Counties serve as the nation’s safety net for residents in need, first responders, and operator of crisis lines, public hospitals and detention centers. Counties are integral to any local, state or national level efforts to strengthen the mental health system because of the various touchpoints counties have among residents seeking care.
This May, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD) invite the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs to participate in Mental Health Awareness month. By participating, we will highlight how county governments are providing crucial behavioral health services and resources to their residents.
To show your support counties can use this template to pass a resolution declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month in your county.
Key ThemesThroughout the month of May, we hope that you look to engage and share resources, programs, and activities around these key themes each week. Week 1Reducing Stigma and Improving Access to Care and Outreach Week 2Youth Mental Health and Promoting Mental Wellness (National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, May 11th) Week 3Crisis Response and Cross-Sector Partnerships Week 4Behavioral Health Workforce |
There are many ways to actively participate in Mental Health Awareness month and bring attention to the important efforts you are making at the local level to address the behavioral health needs of your community.
Choose any of these activities and share with us below. Don’t forget to document and take a picture!
Share Your Efforts With UsExplore the resources below and share with NACo how your county plans to participate |
Mental Health Awareness Month FlyerDownload the Mental Health Awareness Month flyer to spread the word and share key information on how to take action. |
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Sample press releaseUse this template to spread the word about Mental Health Awareness Month and encourage county governments and partner organizations to participate in highlighting local efforts to address mental health in your community. |
Resolution TemplateUse this template to pass a resolution recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month in your county. |
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Sample Letter to CongressUse this template to ask your congressional delegation to ask your congressional delegation to pass bipartisan behavioral health policies that enhances the ability of localities to provide comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services in all settings, strengthens the behavioral health workforce, bolsters crisis response systems and increases resident access to services. |
Policy PrioritiesDownload and share these county policy priorities in behavioral health. |
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Social Media TemplatesUse our social media templates to share your participation in Mental Health Awareness Month and showcase your county’s efforts. Join [COUNTY] and recognize May as #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth! Social Media GraphicsClick below to download individual graphics for your social media posts. Download all the social media graphics here.
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<p>NACo’s Healthy Counties Initiative creates and sustains healthy counties by supporting collaboration and sharing evidence-informed approaches to pressing health issues.
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<p>NACo's Opioid Solutions Center empowers local leaders to invest resources in effective treatment, recovery, prevention and harm reduction practices that save lives and address the underlying causes of substance use disorder.
