City officials, nonprofits gear up for National Mental Health Month this May

Area nonprofits, advocates and volunteers pose for a photo ahead of National Mental Health Month. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The City of Rochester has joined the other Tri-City communities in proclaiming May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Together, they are launching activities and resources within their communities to raise awareness about mental health and reduce stigma.

During an April City Council meeting, Mayor Paul Callaghan read Rochester's proclamation and acknowledged the efforts of the Rochester Mental Health Alliance, along with the Dover Mental Health Alliance, Somersworth Health Alliance, and the Choose Love Initiative.

These groups strive together to build a community-wide awareness campaign aimed at reducing stigma surrounding mental health challenges and providing support for those in need.

"Together we believe in fostering community wide connections sharing resources, reducing stigma, and promoting recovery across the lifespan through education, advocacy, outreach, and support," the Rochester Mental Health Alliance noted on their website home page. "As an alliance, it is our vision to build a connected and engaged community that works together to solve mental health issues for all."

National Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States since 1949. One in five adults experiences a mental health challenge, and even young children may show early signs of mental health concerns.

Rochester became a city that "Chooses Love" in 2023. Mental health awareness is a key component of this initiative, which embodies:

• Courage to stand up for those facing mental health struggles;

• Gratitude for those trained to support individuals with mental health challenges;

• Forgiveness for those who lack understanding, offering education instead of judgment; and

• Compassion for all who struggle--or are connected to someone struggling--with mental health issues.

Rochester residents are urged to demonstrate Rochester's solidarity by lighting spaces green and participating in the national "Wear It Green Day" by wearing green on May 16.

Advocates and volunteers can also reach out to Rochester Mental Health Alliance Chair Katie Michaud at Cornerstone VNA via kmichaud@cornerstonevna.org or info@rochestermha.org.