ADRIAN — Lenawee County has officially declared May as Mental Health Awareness Month, recognizing a crisis that touches one in five adults and one in six kids every year.
The proclamation was adopted by the Board of Commissioners during their May 14th meeting. It’s part of a broader push to break down stigma and open up real conversation about mental health across the state.
Commissioners cited national data showing that mental illness affects everything from relationships and job performance to school outcomes and public safety. They stressed the value of early treatment, calling out the pressure placed on health care, education, and criminal justice systems when mental health needs go unmet.
One commissioner emphasized that awareness is just the first step — support for caregivers, mental health workers, and open community dialogue has to follow.
The Board is urging schools, businesses, and local organizations to promote mental health resources and join in the effort to shift public perception.