Commissioners proclaim May Mental Health Awareness Month

By Ben Woods
bwoods@casscountynow.com

The Cass County Commissioner’s Court last week approved a proclamation declaring May as Mental Awareness Month in Cass County. 
Shirley Baker spoke before the court about mental health awareness and its importance in our communities. 
“I am very honored to represent Cass County on the board of the Community Healthcore and for the last four years I have served as the board chair,” Baker said. “My youngest son receives services from Community Heathcore and his case worker checks on him and his job as a gardener at Kenwood Retreat.”
Baker continued, “Sixty years ago, Mental Health America made a choice that they would bring their fight out in the open and they wanted to educate people that mental illness is as real as other physical illnesses, and can be treated effectively. By acting early and effectively they can prevent many illnesses from progressing or beginning in the first place.” 
Baker read the proclamation to the court. 
Executive Director of Community Healthcore Inman White said, “I wanted to say how much we appreciate the county’s support. We know that money is tight but you all have been faithful in doing what you can as a county to help keep us going and we want to extend an invitation for any of you to visit any of our programs.”