Commissioners declare Mental Health Awareness Week and highlight local resources
September 29, 2026 | Hidalgo County, Texas
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Hidalgo County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved proclamations recognizing Mental Health Awareness Week (Oct. 4–10) and September 2026 as National Suicide Awareness Month, and heard presentations from regional and coalition representatives about local supports and screening services.
"This recognition reminds us that seeking support is a sign of strength, that early screening can save lives," Velma Chua, representing the Region 1 education service center, told the court when accepting the proclamation. The court also heard from the Hidalgo County Mental Health Coalition about a newly updated 2026–27 resource guide intended to connect residents to counseling, crisis hotlines and community services.
Dr. Aaron Salinas of NAMI South Texas Rio Grande Valley stressed the community's role in prevention and urged continued outreach; the proclamation cited CDC and AFSP data as background for the observance and noted 988 and local hotlines as resources. Commissioners approved the proclamations by voice vote.
The mental-health package included information on upcoming events connected to Mental Health Awareness Week and a request that the county help publicize local screening and resource opportunities. No specific county funding decisions were taken during the proclamation votes.
Sources: proclamations read in open session and remarks by Velma Chua and Dr. Aaron Salinas.
"This recognition reminds us that seeking support is a sign of strength, that early screening can save lives," Velma Chua, representing the Region 1 education service center, told the court when accepting the proclamation. The court also heard from the Hidalgo County Mental Health Coalition about a newly updated 2026–27 resource guide intended to connect residents to counseling, crisis hotlines and community services.
Dr. Aaron Salinas of NAMI South Texas Rio Grande Valley stressed the community's role in prevention and urged continued outreach; the proclamation cited CDC and AFSP data as background for the observance and noted 988 and local hotlines as resources. Commissioners approved the proclamations by voice vote.
The mental-health package included information on upcoming events connected to Mental Health Awareness Week and a request that the county help publicize local screening and resource opportunities. No specific county funding decisions were taken during the proclamation votes.
Sources: proclamations read in open session and remarks by Velma Chua and Dr. Aaron Salinas.
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