Board proclaims May 2026 as Mental Health Matters Month, highlights stigma reduction and prevention

The Amador County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Matters Month and heard brief presentations from county behavioral‑health staff and community partners.

Behavioral Health program coordinator Melissa Celio opened the item, noting that public recognition helps normalize mental‑health conversations and reduce stigma. Amy, a county personal service coordinator, described her daughter’s long pathway to an accurate diagnosis and said access to correct diagnosis and sustained treatment changed her daughter’s life. Nina Machado, executive director of First 5, emphasized prevention and services for pregnant people and children ages 0–5 and said early intervention is both humane and cost‑effective.

The resolution notes that one in five California adults experience a mental‑health condition each year and cites the prevalence of serious emotional disturbances among children ages 6–17; it affirms the county’s intention to increase public awareness and reduce stigma. The board adopted the resolution and followed with a photo opportunity and remarks of appreciation for local providers.