~ Sacramento, California - In a move to raise awareness and prioritize mental health care, Governor Gavin Newsom has declared May 2025 as "Mental Health Awareness Month" in California. The proclamation was issued today and highlights the importance of mental health care in every Californian's life.

The governor's proclamation recognizes the millions of Californians living with mental health conditions and the critical role that mental health care plays in their overall well-being. It also acknowledges the fact that mental health care has been neglected and underprioritized for far too long.

According to statistics, one in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year, but more than half do not receive proper care. This has led to prisons and jails becoming de facto mental hospitals after state hospitals were shut down in the 1960s with a promise of more community-based care.

Governor Newsom stated that suicide rates are on the rise, with certain groups such as Native people, men, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ community experiencing disproportionately high rates. He emphasized that it is time for a change and California is leading the way by revolutionizing mental health care.

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The state has allocated over $6 billion for a Behavioral Health Bond to build new treatment beds and housing units as well as outpatient treatment slots for homeless individuals with serious mental illness. Additionally, the Mental Health Services Act has been transformed to support those with substance use disorders and behavioral health needs.

Governor Newsom also highlighted other initiatives such as CARE Court, a model that provides care and services to people with untreated severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia. The conservatorship system has also been modernized to make it a more effective tool for ensuring individuals receive necessary help.

However, the governor stressed that preventative care and conversation about mental health should be prioritized before conditions reach a crisis point. He mentioned California's Master Plan for Kids' Mental Health which aims to increase access to treatment services for children, parents, and communities.

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Governor Newsom urged all Californians to take this opportunity to check in with themselves and their loved ones, assess their mental health, and have open conversations about it. He also encouraged people to learn about the resources and support systems available at mentalhealth.ca.gov.

The proclamation was signed by Governor Newsom on May 14th, 2025, with the Great Seal of the State of California affixed. It was witnessed by Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.

In related news, Governor Newsom also announced appointments for various positions in the state government on May 30th, 2025. Among them is Connie Nakano who has been appointed as Assistant Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Equity at the Department of Aging.

The governor also proclaimed May 2025 as "Foster Care Month" in California to reaffirm support for over 35,000 foster youth in the state. Additionally, over 300 graduates from CAL FIRE, CDCR, and CHP have joined California's public safety force to further strengthen the protection of its citizens.

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