May 25, 2004 - Governor Sebelius Proclaims May Mental Health Month

Governor Kathleen Sebelius has proclaimed May 2004 “Mental Health Month in Kansas” in keeping with the National Mental Health Association’s (NMHA) 53-year tradition. Nationally, Mental Health Month this year focuses on the importance of mental health and the realities of mental illness. Each year, untreated and mistreated mental illness costs the United States more than $105 Billion dollars in lost productivity alone. “Caring for mental health should be part of each person’s daily routine for overall health,” says Michael Faenza, NMHA president and CEO. “Mental Health Month puts a special focus on the workplace as an ideal setting to encourage people to incorporate mental health awareness into their daily lives. A positive work environment can help relieve everyday stresses that affect employees personally and professionally,” said Faenza. “When mental health is considered, employers see benefits in morale, lower absentee rates, on-the-job concentration and the bottom line.”

“I have been extremely supportive of mental health initiatives during my time as Governor as well as when I served as Insurance Commissioner because of the effects that mental illness can have on families and employers when it goes undiagnosed and untreated,” said Governor Sebelius. According to data compiled by the World Health Organization in 2001, mental illness was the most prevalent cause of disability in the US, Canada, and Western Europe. It is twice as prevalent as any other cause.

Secretary of SRS, Janet Schalansky said that the Department appreciates the Governor’s attention to this issue. “Issues related to mental health are a primary component of our operations, and people often do not realize the connection between mental health and problems such as child abuse and neglect, unemployment, homelessness, and criminal behavior.” She added that the agency spent nearly $200 million on mental health related programs in Fiscal Year 2003.

Across Kansas, some of the events and activities planned include:

• Four County Mental Health is Celebrating 40 Years of Service and will be holding open houses at all of their locations, as well as giving free presentations on a diverse group of subjects concerning mental health
• South East Kansas Mental Health visiting schools and passing out workbooks and coloring books with mental health information, and hosting an open house for religious leaders throughout their counties of operation
• Area Mental Health will be holding an Art Show and individuals have been working on what will become a traveling quilt, with individual blocks portraying their journey to recovery by each artist
• The Kansas Mental Health and Aging Summit considers ways to connect seniors with mental health services in their communities

For more information about Mental Health Month and how you can get involved, contact your local Community Mental Health Center or Advocacy group in your area.