WHEREAS, mental illness affects 1 in 4 people in Nevada and the State of Nevada recognizes that mental health is essential to the health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, the State supports the prevention, early intervention, and crisis services in supporting and improving the mental, physical, and behavioral health of the people of Nevada; and

WHEREAS, 17% of youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health condition and 50% of all mental health disorders begin by age 14 and 75% of all mental health disorders begin by the mid-20's; and

WHEREAS, suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst people aged 10 - 34 and the 10th leading cause of death in the United States; and

WHEREAS, sharing personal knowledge and lived experience of mental health challenges reduces the barriers and shame related with individuals seeking treatment to thrive and live a longer, more fulfilling life; and

WHEREAS, mental health allows us to maintain relationships, take care of ourselves and our families, take care of our physical bodies, and respond and adapt to daily life changes; and

WHEREAS, during Mental Health Awareness Month I urge Nevadans to challenge the mental health stigma and encourage conversations around mental health;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEVE SISOLAK, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2022, as

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH IN NEVADA