The Board of Supervisors recognized May as Mental Health Awareness month and a group of mentally ill individuals who appeared en mass at the May 13 Board meeting.
Many carried signs declaring NO STIGMA associated with those afflicted with mental illness. The Dept. of Health and Human Service told supervisors that one in eight people live with a mental health disorder, according to the World Health Organization. Further, 8.4 million across the United States report taking care of a love one who suffers with a mental illness or emotional health issues resulting in a average of 32 hours a week for caregivers.
Del Norte served 1530 individuals last year in Behavioral Health, 336 being children, noting that 50 percent of all lifetime mental illness begins at age 14.
The suicide rate is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year old. Drug use and mental illness go hand in hand.
The Board commended DHHS Behavioral Branch and community partners for its stellar effort in helping those with mental illness.