In a move to address mental health across the board, Multnomah County has designated May as Mental Health Awareness Month, turning the spotlight on issues that affect a wide swath of the community—from struggling youths to the homeless in search of stability. According to the announcement made by Multnomah County News, the Board of Commissioners has made it clear that mental wellness remains a top priority in the region's public health agenda.
"When we think about safe and stable communities that support people's emotional and mental health, we know Multnomah County has such an important role to play as our state's largest safety net provider," Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said in a statement obtained by Multnomah County News. The proclamation is designed to shine a light on the diverse efforts the County is taking to readily provide mental health services, including operations of 38 school-based mental health sites and a dedicated Behavioral Health Resource Center.
With the 2024 theme being "Access for All," Multnomah County is highlighting the significance of making mental health services available to all, particularly the most vulnerable. Heather Mirasol, director of the Behavioral Health Division, stressed the ever-evolving needs of the community and the imperative to maintain up-to-date accessibility to mental health services.
Personal accounts from those with lived experiences enriched the proclamation, as speakers shared intimate details of their battles with mental health. Sadie Campbell, battling anxiety and substance use disorder for years, stated, "I navigate how to live with my intrusive thoughts on a daily basis." In a poignant moment, she declared that while recovery is possible, "work needs to continue to better serve our community and lastly but not least: Access for everyone is the bare minimum," according to an interview with Multnomah County News.
Marlen Sanabria, another individual with a history of long-term recovery, described the cultural and language barriers she faced while seeking treatment. "There are very few people who speak Spanish who are mental health providers. That’s why it's important we find that support," Sanabria explained during the event, addressing the dire need for culturally specific services. Her sentiments were echoed by Isiah Bailey, who emphasized the importance of trust and connection to services that understand one's cultural background.
County officials also weighed in on the mental health discussion. Commissioner Sharon Meieran thanked speakers for sharing their experiences, while Commissioner Lori Stegmann talked about the importance of addressing and correcting the often inaccurate internal narratives that people struggle with. Chair Vega Pederson recognized the dedication of County employees and the necessity of continually improving culturally attuned services to address mental health needs effectively.
