May Is Mental Health Month In Franklin County

During their May 1 public board meeting, the Franklin County Commissioners joined representatives from Franklin/Fulton Mental Health, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities or Early Intervention, Franklin/Fulton Drug and Alcohol, Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties, Salvation Army Chambersburg, Healthy Communities Partnership, Healthy Franklin County and other community partners to proclaim May to be Mental Health Month in Franklin County.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed May 2024 to be Mental Health Month in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners are urging residents to educate themselves on the impact mental health has on communities and to reduce the stigma shrouding the topic of mental health.

Mental health conditions are real and prevalent in the U.S. National data suggests that 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in any given year. About half of all Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their lifetimes. No one is immune from times of difficulty and stress, so knowing how to handle those challenges and how to protect one’s mental health and well-being is important.

“Mental health is an essential part of a person’s overall well being. It affects not just us as individuals but our friends, our families, our loved ones and ultimately our communities,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “We recognize Mental Health Month to encourage those individuals who are struggling to seek the help and support they need. You are not alone.”

The 2024 national theme of Mental Health Month is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World.” The world is constantly changing and factors like world events, politics, the economy, social media and other changes in society can play a role in a person’s mindset. Knowing what factors can have an impact on one’s mental health is important, as is knowing how to cope and when to seek help when self-help efforts aren’t enough.

In recognition of Mental Health Month, Franklin/Fulton Mental Health, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities or Early Intervention (MH/IDD/EI) is encouraging everyone to join the “Be Seen In Green Challenge” by wearing green on Mondays in May to show support for mental health awareness.

Mental health help is available by contacting Franklin/Fulton MH/IDD/EI at 717-264-5387 or mhiddei@franklincountypa.gov. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate attention, call or text 988.

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