May Is Mental Health Month In Franklin County

The Franklin County Commissioners proclaimed May 2023 to be Mental Health Month in Franklin County during the commissioners’ public board meeting May 3. Representatives from the Mental Health Association, Service Access Management, Healthy Communities Partnership and the South Central Region Crisis Intervention Team joined the commissioners for the presentation.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed May 2023 to be Mental Health Month in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners are urging area residents, businesses and institutions to recommit to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health and the steps citizens can take to protect their 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 a given year and more than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lives. 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.

The 2023 national theme of Mental Health Month is “Look Around, Look Within,” highlights the impact environmental factors can have on mental health and well-being. An individual’s surroundings can play a significant role on his or her overall health and can impact if, how and when a person’s needs are met, which in turn affects mental health. Securing safe housing, maintaining a tidy home, bonding with one’s local neighborhood and community, and spending time in nature are all steps individuals can take to improve their surroundings and ultimately safeguard their mental well-being.

“There are numerous factors in the world around us that contribute to our mental health. Some factors may be outside of our control, but other aspects can be adjusted or avoided,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller. “We encourage all of our residents to use Mental Health Month as an opportunity to assess their daily routine and to make changes that will improve and maintain their mental well-being.”

Mental health help is available by contacting the Franklin/Fulton Mental Health, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities or Early Intervention services at 717-264-5387 or mhiddei@franklincountypa.gov. If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate attention, contact Crisis Intervention Services at 717-264-2555 or 1-866-918-2555.

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