Dane County Board Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month
May 15, 2025
Dane County Board Office, (608) 266-5758
County Board
Madison – Tonight, the Dane County Board passed a resolution recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month. Supervisor David Peterson presented the resolution and Executive Director of NAMI Dane County, Jeanne McLellan, spoke the significance of Mental Health Awareness Month. A link to the special resolution is here: 2025 RES-011.
The 2025 national theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is “Turn Awareness into Action,” a powerful reminder that awareness must be accompanied by tangible support, community engagement, and systemic change. This month offers a chance to elevate conversations around mental well-being, break down stigma, and advocate for policies that address diverse and complex mental health needs of individuals across Dane County.
Mental Health challenges impact people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nationally, 1 in 6 youth and 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health condition each year. In Dane County, efforts to respond to the growing needs are spearheaded by trusted community organizations like NAMI Dane County, The Rainbow Project, Anesis Therapy, Rise, and Briarpatch Youth Services. These organizations are essential for delivering services, creating safe spaces, and building resilience for everyone in Dane County.
“Mental health is essential to overall well-being, yet too often stigma and fear prevent people from seeking the care they need,” said Supervisor Peterson. “Asking for help is one of the most courageous and selfless acts a person can take—it opens the door to healing not only for themselves but also for those who love and depend on them. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to prevention, early diagnosis, and access to quality mental health services for all. No one should have to walk this journey alone. Our goal is to ensure every individual can live a happy, healthy, and thriving life, supported by a community that cares.”
Jeanne McLellan added, “The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Dane County applauds the Dane County Board for adopting a resolution recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a call to action for all of us to take a holistic approach to addressing mental health so we can be allies, peers, and advocates. We can share our stories of illness and wellness and encourage others to do the same. Let our message to the community be this: In every story, there’s strength. Together we can end the silence to create a movement of connection, support, and healing for those living with mental illness and other mental health conditions.”
The resolution calls on residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations to join in supporting mental health awareness, education, and advocacy. The Board is committed to investing in initiatives that expand access to care, diversify available services, and strengthen systems that promote the well-being for all.
To read the full resolution, visit: https://dane.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14208428&GUID=FBCC07A8-D6DF-41C2-8ED4-DA2DA35C937B
The full agenda from tonight’s meeting is available here: https://dane.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1250229&GUID=51452383-0D38-44D5-8ACB-AA4DA278F2DD