May 1, 2019 -- Recognizing May as “Mental Health Awareness Month,” Westchester County Executive George Latimer discussed the importance of good mental health, and hosted a screening of the film “Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope.” Joined by the Westchester County Department of Community Mental (DCMH), other collaborating departments and members of the mental health service community from across Westchester, Latimer announced that a banner declaring the annual national recognition would fly in the Michaelian Office Building, as well as appear in digital form outside the Westchester County Center for the month of May.
Latimer said: “This is one of the few opportunities I get as County Executive to officially declare that May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Westchester. The importance of this event is obviously good mental health. There is a stigma that is attached to mental health needs, and we need to take this opportunity to promote wellness and resilience. I am very proud of all of the wonderful work that is being done by our County departments and the not-for-profits who are with us today, each of which make up an important part of a mosaic.”
Mental Health Awareness Month is a nationwide effort to address and overcome the stigma associated with mental health needs. The County Executive’s staff watched the film “Resilience,” which was followed by a question and answer session conducted by Dr. Andy Bell of DCMH. The film addresses how childhood trauma affects lifelong physical and mental well-being.
Board of Legislators Chairman Ben Boykin said: “Mental Health is a growing issue that is not going away. And as we see more and more issues relating to mental health and the stigmatization to it, we have to be able to remove that from the equation.”
Commissioner of DCMH Michael Orth added: “Westchester County is rich in services and treatment for people who need to access our mental health system. We have wonderful partners, and by bringing to light ways we can help serves to defeat stigma and promote recovery.”
Sharon McCarthy, Executive Director of NAMI-Westchester, the organization supplying the banners, said: “NAMI-Westchester is so excited to have our County Executive stand with us in support of May as ‘Mental Health Awareness Month.’ Among our other services and programs, NAMI strives to build public awareness of mental health, and we greatly appreciate the fact that this County so strongly supports our cause.”