October 10, 2020-Mental Health and Substance Abuse Awareness DayPROCTAMATION
WHEREAS: The United States of America observes October as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month
since 2011, in renewing our resolve to prevent further loss of life and prosperity caused by substance use and to
emerge from a national crisis into a future free from substance abuse; and
WHEREAS: October t0,2020 has been established by the World Health Organization as World Mental Health
Day, which campaigns for the increased investment in national and international mental health programs due to the
anticipation of substantial increase in need of psychosocial support as a result of the global impact by the COVID-19
pandemic; and
WHEREAS: 60% of individuals, adolescents included, with substance abuse problems also suffer from a dual
diagnosis, which is the presence of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress,
suicidal ideation, or other conditions, along with addiction. Treatment of substance abuse disorders is encouraged to
also address mental illness to increase likelihood of successful recovery; and
WHEREAS: Addiction to drugs or alcohol is in and of itself considered a mental illness called Substance Use
Disorder, which changes a person's normal desires and priorities, alters behavior and interferes with a the ability to
work, go to school, and to have good relationships with friends and family. 20.2 million people in2O!4 in the United
States suffered from substance use disorder and 7.9 million had both substance use disorder and an additional mental
illness; and
WHEREAS: Victoria Siegel Foundation notes that each day, 3,600 adolescents try an illicit drug for the first
time, and 24.6 million Americans over age L2 have used an illicit drug in the past month, and 67,300 Americans died in
2OI8 (!84 per day) from drug-related overdose including illicit and prescription drugs. The NCADD reports that
children who use drugs or alcohol before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol or drug dependence and
addiction issues; and
WHEREAS: Mental Health America's B4Stage4 Campaign identifies pre-screening and early intervention of
mental health symptoms as an effective and essential strategy for reversing the progression of mental illness and
often corresponding substance abuse or self-medication; and
WHEREAS: lncreasing awareness of the connection between mental health and substance abuse, taking a
moment to learn more about addiction and mental wellness during the month of October, can help save lives.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE lT RESOTVED that l, Robert Putaansuu, Mayor of the City of Port Orchard, do hereby proclaim
October L0,2O2O as:
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Awareness Day
in the City of Port Orchard and lcall upon all employees and citizens of the City of Port Orchard to
with appropriate recognition whereof
RPOSigned this 2nd day of October Lo
SEAL
Robert Putaansuu, Mayor