Poughkeepsie… May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health announces several upcoming events designed to increase awareness and understanding about living with a mental illness.
“Roughly one in five teenagers and adults in the United States experience mental illness in a given year,” said Commissioner Henry M. Kurban, MD, MBA, MPH, FACPM. “Dutchess County and its partners offer many valuable mental health resources throughout the county.”
On Tuesday, May 3rd, Dutchess County’s Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week Committee will be recognized at the New York State’s “What’s Great In Our State 2016” event in Albany. For ten years, the Committee has hosted the annual Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week featuring free activities, workshops, school-based outreaches and media campaigns to raise awareness about children and families who experience social, behavioral or emotional challenges. The Committee includes members from the Department of Behavioral & Community Health, Mental Health America of Dutchess, Taconic Resources for Independence, NAMI Mid-Hudson, and Astor Services for Children & Families.
The following mental health events will be held during the month of May, the public is invited and encouraged to participate:
In addition to these special events, there are a multitude of mental health services, screenings, and other tools available all year long. The public can learn more by calling (845) 485-9700 or visiting us online at www.dutchessny.gov/dbch.
For those in need of immediate help, or who are at risk of suicide, the Dutchess County HELPLINE is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year by calling or texting (845) 485-9700. The HELPLINE mobile app is also available through iTunes and Google Play Store. All HELPLINE services are staffed by experienced people who care and know how to help immediately.