WHEREAS, Each year in May, communities across the country observe Mental Health Awareness Month to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide support for individuals living with mental health conditions; and

WHEREAS, One in five adults in the United States live with a mental health condition; and

WHEREAS, Approximately one in five children and youth under the age of 18 in Maryland and nationally have a treatable mental health or substance misuse disorder, with nearly one in ten youth in Maryland facing serious emotional and behavioral challenges that often require intensive treatment and involvement of multiple child-serving systems; it is estimated that less than one in five youth with a mental health or substance misuse disorder will access needed services; and

WHEREAS, Screening and psychological interventions have been identified as cost-effective preventive interventions for mental health disorders in children and adolescents; and

WHEREAS, Evidence-based mental and behavioral health awareness training teaches individuals how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges in others and provides skills to help someone who may be facing a mental health challenge or crisis; and

WHEREAS, The State of Maryland has been a leader in the work to increase access to behavioral health resources, investing over $1.4 billion into improving access to mental health services for Marylanders, including expanding access to address children's behavioral health needs and advancing trauma-informed and healing-centered care; and

WHEREAS, During Mental Health Awareness Month, the State of Maryland reaffirms its commitment to expanding access to health care and building a state that leaves no one behind and calls on all residents to join us in that effort.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WES MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, do hereby proclaim MAY 2026 as MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH in Maryland, and do commend this observation to all of our citizens.