At their May 8 meeting, the Okeechobee County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
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![OKEECHOBEE -- Leah Suarez of Our Village (left) accepted the proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month from County Commission Chairman David Hazellief at the May 8 meeting of the Okeechobee County Commission. [Photo by Katrina Elsken/Lake Okeechobee News]](/uploads/original/20250508-101240-9aa-Mental Health Awareness Month.jpg)
At their May 8 meeting, the Okeechobee County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
“In our community, Our Village has been working with people for 10 years and we are really proud of that,” said Leah Suarez, who accepted the proclamation.
“We have a shortage in this nation. We have 555 clients or patients to one mental health professional,” she continued. She said a Harvard study found peer support is effective in 40-50% of the cases where professional mental health may not be needed.
The proclamation states: “Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and all people experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives.
“Prevention is an effective way to reduce the burden of mental health conditions, and there is strong evidence that early identification and intervention improves outcomes.
“Stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to mental health care, and greater public awareness and understanding can help break down these barriers so that people feel more empowered to seek the help they need,” the proclamation continues.
“Mental Health Month has been observed each May since 1949 to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to celebrate the resilience of individuals and communities working to overcome mental health challenges.
“In 2025, the theme of Mental Health Month is ‘Rooted in Community,’ emphasizing the importance of connection, support, and inclusion in fostering mental wellness for all.
“Every person, community, and organization has a role to play in promoting mental wellness and creating environments where mental health is valued, protected, and prioritized.”
On May 14, Our Village and Refuse to Sink Inc. will host a lunch at the Okeechobee Civic Center, 1750 US 98 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reggie D. Ford will be the guest speaker. Ford is a TEDx speaker, best selling author and mental wellness advocate dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to embrace resilience, emotional intelligence and mental wellbeing. He is the author of “Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction." To RSVP for the luncheon, contact Leah Suarez at Our Village Okeechobee; email: leah@ourvillageokeechobee.org.
