PROCLAMATION

08-05

National Mental Health Month

 

Issued by the Board of Franklin County Commissioners

 

 

WHEREAS, May has been designated National Mental Health Month; and

 

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has reported that worldwide up to 20 percent of children and adolescents suffer from an impairing mental illness, yet only one in five receive the treatment they need; and

 

WHEREAS, The World Health Organization has reported that worldwide one in four adults suffer from a diagnosable mental illness in a given year; and

 

WHEREAS, The Elizabeth Layton Center, has been providing care for the mental health needs of the citizens of Franklin County for 51 years; and

 

WHEREAS, The Elizabeth Layton Center, averages over 7,200 client visits per month; and

 

WHEREAS, The Elizabeth Layton Center, has some of the highest outreach rates in the State of Kansas; and

 

WHEREAS, The Elizabeth Layton Center, is currently operating at full capacity from both its 15th Street and Eisenhower locations; and

 

NOW, the Board of Franklin County Commissioners, of Franklin County on behalf of its citizens, do hereby proclaim the month of May as

 

 

NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

 

 

THEREFORE,  in support of The Elizabeth Layton Center, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners urge all citizens of Franklin County to participate in efforts to increase public awareness and understanding of the physical, mental and emotional health needs of all children, adolescents, and adults. 

 

To advocate for improved quality of access to mental health services and for the increased availability of effective mental health services that are culturally, age and gender appropriate, and that meet local needs. 

 

To support the efforts of Elizabeth Layton Center, in its fundraising campaign to ensure that these important services and benefits continue to be available to the citizens of Franklin County.

 

In recognition of the pressing need to increase public awareness of the importance of emotional well being, the need to reduce stigma and discrimination that prevents many people from seeking help for mental wellness, and the need to improve the availability and quality of mental health services.

 

In support of the Elizabeth Layton Center, and its 51 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Franklin County, Kansas.

 

 

Dated this 14th day of May, 2008.

 

                                                                                      

                                                                                                         /s/ Karen S Farrell

Karen S. Farrell, Chairman

 

 

 

Attested and Recorded, this 14th day of May, 2008.

 

                                                                                                           /s/ Shari Pery

Shari Perry, County Clerk