May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Winston County, as the Board of Supervisors unanimously proclaimed on May May 20.
The approved resolution proclaims that the mental health of every citizen is essential to the emotional and economic prosperity of families, communities and businesses in the county.
The board calls on citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, business and schools in Winston County to recommit to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, and to recognize the necessity of accessible and appropriate mental health services for all people in Winston County.
Representatives of Community Counseling Services presented an overview of its services and the economic impact of CCS to the board. CCS is based in West Point and serves seven counties, including Winston County.
“A Year in Review” shows that:
• 5,603 individuals were served in 2018 in the CCS service area.
• CCS’ annual fiscal budget (October 2018-September 2019) is $22.97 million.
• In 2018, CCS helped drive over $31.5 million in economic impact and $3.1 million in indigent services.
• CCS is not a state agency and no money is directly allocated to community mental health centers in the state budget.
The proclamation read as: Proclamation
Whereas, the mental health of every citizen is essential to the emotional and economic prosperity of our families, communities, and businesses in Choctaw County; and
Whereas, mental health is a key component of every individual’s overall physical health and emotional well-being; and
Whereas, mental illness affects people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and income levels in Winston County, Mississippi; and
Whereas, mental illness is not only common, it is treatable, and early and effective intervention can save lives and change the trajectories of people living with mental illness; and
Whereas, only 50% of individuals with a serious form of mental illness seek treatment; and
Whereas, feelings of personal shame and fears of social stigma and discrimination prevent many living with mental illness from seeking help;
Whereas, stigma leads to fear, mistrust, and violence against people with mental illness, who are significantly more likely to be victims than perpetrators of violent crime; and
Whereas, stigma can be reduced by increasing the awareness of mental health and available resources for those suffering from mental health conditions; and
Whereas, we strive to create a community that supports mental wellness by increasing access to treatment, educating ourselves and our communities about mental illness, and supporting our citizens as they seek to improve their mental health; and
Therefore, we, the Winston County Board of Supervisors, do hereby Proclaim May 2019 as
Mental Health Awareness Month in Winston County
We call on all citizens, government agencies, and private institutions, businesses, and schools in Winston County to recommit to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health to recognize the necessity of accessible and appropriate mental health services for all people in Winston County.
Signed in the Month of May, two thousand nineteen. For the Winston County Board of Supervisors.
