The Whereases

Whereas, mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being; it affects how we think, feel, and act; it also affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices; and

Whereas, nearly 20% of chidlren and young people ages 3-17 in Oklahoma have a mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorder; and

Whereas, one in five adolescents aged 12 to 17 in Oklahoma have had a major depressive episode in the year; and

Whereas, suicide is the second leading cause of death amonst people aged 10-34 and the 11th leading cause of death in the United States; and

Whereas, a lack of mental health awareness leads to devastating impacts on the wellbeing of individuals and society; and

Whereas, evidence-based mental and behavioral health training teaches adults how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges in youth and adults and provides skills to use a five step action plan to help someone who may be facing a mental health challenge or crissi, such as suicide; and

Whereas, tenn metnal health first aid trainings are proven to reduce stigma and teach teens how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers; and

Whereas, teen mental health first aid trainings are proven to reduce stigma and teach teens how to identify, understand and respons to signs of mental health substance use challenges among their friends and peers;

Now therefore, I, Governor J. Kevin Stitt, do herby proclaim May 2024 as “Mental Heatlh Awareness Month” in the State of Oklahoma.