Plan Now - May is Mental Health Awareness Month

With the month of May approaching, the time is now to start planning for Mental Health Awareness Month! To lay the groundwork, SAMHSA prepared a web page with upcoming events, practitioner trainings, and Federal mental health resources. Some of the events listed for Mental Health Awareness Month include the first-ever Mental Health Youth Action Forum at the White House, intended to drive culture from awareness to action on mental health through storytelling and media; and National Prevention Week, a national public education platform from May 7 to May 13, 2023, showcasing the work of communities and organizations across the country dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health.

Mental Health America (MHA) recently released their 2023 May is Mental Health Month Toolkit, which provides practical resources on how people can support their own mental health, as well as the health needs of their own communities. Their theme is “Look Around, Look Within” as they answer questions related to mentally healthy and safe spaces, and the impact of one’s surroundings on their mental health. For more information on how to get involved with Mental Health Awareness Month, check out other organizations contributing to the effort such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the American Hospital Association (AHA), and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Within these resources you will find information and resources for planning events in your organization and community.