Dear Colleagues, Since 1949, advocates for mental health and wellness across the country have been celebrating May as Mental Health Month. As we know, each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. This year's theme for Mental Health Month is - Life with a Mental Illness - and will call on individuals to share what life with a mental illness feels like for them in words, pictures and video by tagging their social media posts with #mentalillnessfeelslike. Recovery Resources is helping to raise awareness by hosting a show featuring the art of several of our clients and staff members, all of whom have a mental health condition. It is running now through May 30th at the Justice Center at 1200 Ontario. Some facts we are sharing at the show include: • Mental health affects everyone- regardless of culture, race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. -NAMI • More than 2/3 of Americans who have a mental illness live in the community and lead productive lives. - dosomething.org • With proper treatment, 70% to 90% of people with mental illnesses will experience a significant reduction of symptoms and enjoy an improved quality of life. -dosomething.org • Mental illness is more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. - US Surgeon General's Report We support NAMI in their belief that "these issues are important to address all year round, but highlighting these issues during May provides a time for people to come together and display the passion and strength of those working to improve the lives of all Americans whose lives are affected by mental health conditions." Thank you for all you do to make a difference in the lives of those we serve! My door is always open, Pam