May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Jesse Noble (L) and Sarah Heard (R)

Lincoln County commissioners have unanimously passed a proclamation designating May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the critical importance of mental health services in the community. During a recent Board of Commissioners meeting, local health experts Jesse Noble and Sarah Heard emphasized the significance of mental health support across all age groups. Noble, the mental health promotion specialist, noted that while current suicide rates remain stable, proactive intervention is key to community well-being. "Half of us will experience a mental health diagnosis at some point in our lives," Sarah Heard, Health Promotion Program Manager, explained. She stressed the importance of reducing stigma and supporting vulnerable populations, including agricultural workers, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

The proclamation calls upon all citizens, government agencies, and institutions to:

• Raise mental health awareness

• Decrease social stigma

• Promote accessible mental health services

Notably, the county has expanded mental health resources, including telehealth options and a soon-to-open crisis drop-in center, aimed at providing comprehensive support to residents. Commissioner Miller shared a personal story highlighting the transformative power of family counseling, encouraging community members to seek help without fear or shame. The proclamation serves as a powerful reminder that mental health is a community-wide responsibility, with one caring person potentially making a significant difference in someone's life.