Proclamation Mental Health Month, May 2016

At the Burke County Commission meeting of Tuesday May 17th Burke County Board of Commissioners approved and presented to Mimosa Christian Counseling Center board members in attendance, a county proclamation of support recognizing May as National Mental Health Month.

Current MCCC President Ann Blackwell received the proclamation from Chair Abele. MCCC Vice President Amy Coley read from the attached comments on mental health and the need for community, citizen support and awareness to help erase the stigma of mental anguish and illness that deters one in four from seeking proper care and counseling. MCCC, a Christian outreach and non-profit, has been serving the greater Burke area for 12 years. MCCC through community support strives with licensed counselors to provide the best in quality counseling. MCCC stresses help for persons to achieve their mental wellness, restoring hope to citizens, and families, with or without regard to religious affiliation or ability to pay.

Photo names

Front center – left to right

Ed Harden MCCC treasurer (tan coat ), Dr. Jane Rawson Clinical Coordinator, Doris Bentley MCCC Secretary, Ann Blackwell MCCC President

Back row left to right ,

J R Simpson attorney for the county, Johnnie Carswell commissioner, Maynard Taylor commissioner, Bill Lennon MCCC former board president, Dr. Dave Beck D.Ed. MCCC Immediate Past President , Amy Coley MCCC Vice President, Wayne Abele Chair of Burke Commissioners, Jeff Brittain Commission Vice-Chair, Jack Carroll commissioner, Kay Draughn County Clerk, Bryan Steen County Manager.

Not available for photo — MCCC board members Dr. Thomas Bland Jr., Dr. Robert Murray D.Ed., Rev. Bill Hall,

For more information contact Bill Lennon by email or call / text 828-403-6096

Proc. No. 2016-03
PROCLAMATION
MENTAL HEALTH MONTH, MAY 2016
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BURKE COUNTY, N.C.

WHEREAS, mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, all Americans experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives; and

WHEREAS, prevention is an effective way to reduce the burden of mental illnesses; and

WHEREAS, there is a strong body of research that supports specific tools that all citizens
can use to better handle challenges, and protect their health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, mental illnesses are real and prevalent in our nation; and

WHEREAS, with early and effective treatment, those individuals with mental illnesses can
recover and lead full, productive lives; and

WHEREAS, each business, school, government agency, healthcare provider,
organization and citizen shares the burden of mental illnesses and has a responsibility to
promote mental wellness and support prevention efforts.

THEREFORE, the Burke County Board of Commissioners and I, Wayne Abele,
Chairman, do hereby proclaim May 2016 as Mental Health Month in Burke County, North
Carolina. As the Commission Chair, I also call upon citizens, government agencies,
public and private institutions, businesses and schools in Burke County to recommit our
community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps our
citizens can take to protect their mental health, and the need for appropriate and
accessible services for all people with mental illnesses in its various forms and
complications for daily living in wellness.

Adopted this 17th day of May, 2016.
Wayne F. Abele, Sr., Chairman
Burke Co. Board of Commissioners