Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announces that Ulster County will recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Ulster County. As part of this recognition, Ulster County will be participating in the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ (NAMI) country-wide Ribbon Campaign and displaying awareness ribbons on the trees in front of the Ulster County Office Building.

“More than 1 in 4 Americans suffer from mental health issues, individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds, and all too often stigma and fear of discrimination keep individuals from seeking out mental health services that they so desperately need” said County Executive Mike Hein. “Without proper treatment, mental health issues can significantly worsen and interfere with and individual’s ability to lead a full and productive life. By raising awareness and promoting mental wellness education efforts we can support those amongst us in need.”

NAMI’s Mental Health Awareness Ribbon Campaign, piloted in 2013, is an anti- stigma initiative designed to bring the topic of mental illness in our communities to the forefront and to facilitate open and honest dialogue about the subject.

Ulster County Mental Health Resources:

     •  Family of Woodstock, Inc. 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 845-338-2370

     •  UC Mobile Mental Health Team:1-844-277-4820 (available 1:00 to 11:00 p.m./ 7 Days)

     •  National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

     •  Veteran's Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (press 1 when connected)

     •  Veteran’s Crisis Text Messages: send text to 838255

     •  The Trevor Lifeline (for LGBTQ youth):  1-866-488-7386

Download Free Ulster County SPEAK Suicide Prevention App:

Available for iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ulster-county-speak/id736773884?mt=8

Available for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.themacworks.ulstercountyspeak

To learn more about NAMI's Ribbon Campaign visit http://www.namimidhudson.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/RIBBON-CAMPAIGN-OFFICIAL-FLYER.pdf

Attachment: photo (l-r: Alexis Hill; Patricia Shaw, NAMI Mid-Hudson Board Member; Dr. Carol Smith, Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental Health; Donna Zaccardo, NAMI Mid-Hudson member; Amy McCracken, Ulster County Deputy Commissioner of Mental Health; Masashi Miyaki, NAMI Mid-Hudson Board Member; Tina Lee, NAMI Mid-Hudson Resource Development, Outreach and Program Coordinator; Ulster County Executive Mike Hein.)