Commissioners declare May Mental Health Month in Putnam County

Monday, April 15, 2024 at 11:40 AM

There may still be a few weeks until the calendar rolls over to May, but that didn't stop the Putnam County Commissioners from designating the upcoming month as Mental Health Month in Putnam County.

The proclamation came after a presentation from Karen Martoglio, executive director of Mental Health America of Putnam County.

Martoglio told those in attendance the month will actually kick off April 27 with their mental health fair, dubbed "Don't Dodge the Issues." The health fair will feature a dodgeball event, Martoglio said.

"We wanted to make you aware of that. Also, there are green ribbons for mental health awareness. There are many organizations who promote a green ribbon for that. In conjunction with that, there is an initiative to light up public buildings green. I was really hopeful we could request that for the courthouse. You would be part of a national wide effort. Across the nation, there will be hundreds of courthouses and public squares lit up in green. We would like that in May, and I was really hopeful we could do that," Martoglio said.

Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of turning the courthouse lights green for the month of May.

In addition, the commissioners read a proclamation stating, May is Mental Health Month in Putnam County, Indiana.

The proclamation states 1 in five American adults experiences a mental health condition each year.

"Mental health remains shroud in stigma, preventing many from receiving help," the proclamation states.

The proclamation continues by saying all residents are encouraged to educate themselves and others about mental health conditions, treatment options, available resources and challenge stigma by speaking respectfully and inclusively about mental health. It also urges residents to seek help if needed.

"Together, we can create a community where everyone feels empowered to prioritize their mental wellbeing and seek help when needed," the proclamation states.