RESOLUTION
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
MAY 2022
WHEREAS, mental health is part of overall health; and
WHEREAS, mental health sustains individual’s thought processes, relationships, productivity, and
ability to adapt to change; and
WHEREAS, 1 in 5 U.S. adults, and 1 in 6 U.S. youth, experience mental illness each year, and
less than half of them receive treatment; and
WHEREAS, 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24; and
WHEREAS, the average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11
years; and
WHEREAS, 1 in 5 young people report that the pandemic had a significant negative impact on
their mental health; and
WHEREAS, in 2020, there was a 31% increase in mental health-related emergency department
visits among U.S. adolescents; and
WHEREAS, early identification and treatment can make a difference in successful management
of mental illness and recovery; and
WHEREAS, it is important to maintain mental health and to recognize the symptoms of mental
illness and seek help when it is needed; and
WHEREAS, every citizen and community can help end the silence and stigma surrounding
mental illness; and
WHEREAS, through public education and civic activities, Virginia remains engaged in the promise
to address the challenges facing people with mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to work to increase public
understanding of the importance of mental health and to promote the identification and treatment
of mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Prince William County Public Schools wishes to enhance public awareness of mental
health for our youth and adults;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Prince William County School Board and the Superintendent of Schools recognize May 2022 as “Mental Health Awareness Month”
embracing the theme of “Together for Mental Health,” to enhance public awareness of mental health to help end the stigma.
Approved by unanimous consent by the Prince William County School Board on May 4, 2022