SUBJECT:

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month

May is designated as National Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM). The theme is "Mind Your Health." Mental health is an issue that concerns all of us. The goal of MHAM is to raise awareness of mental health issues and to build a community of hope for all those who are in need of support. MHAM also aims to draw attention to suicide prevention, while also reducing the stigma and discrimination against those affected by mental health disorders.

Some of the main events at UC San Diego during MHAM include:

May 1: Good Life Festival - 5:00 - 9:00 PM, Town Square & Matthew's Quad

May 9: Art with Impact - 5:00 - 8:00 PM, Price Center Theater

May 13: Mental Health Matters Day - 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Library Walk - Wear your green ribbons!

May 14: Asian/Asian-American Psychology Panel - 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Cross Cultural Resource Center

May 21: #RealTalk: The Truth about Black Women and Depression - 12:00 - 1:30 PM, Black Resource Center

May 21: Stress Less: Relaxation Workshop - 4:30 - 5:30 PM, Veterans Resource Center

May 28: Active Minds Mental Health Fair - TBD

In recognition of MHAM, one hour of administrative leave with pay has been approved that employees may apply to their attendance at a Mental Health Awareness Month event. Supervisors may allow one hour of administrative leave with pay for staff to participate during Mental Health Awareness Month, so long as the absence does not infringe upon the performance of required job duties or patient care.

MHAM events are partially funded by the UCOP Student Mental Health Initiative which is funded by CalMHSA: The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) an organization of county governments working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. Prevention and Early Intervention programs implemented by CalMHSA are funded through the voter-approved Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63). Prop. 63 provides the funding and framework needed to expand mental health services to previously underserved populations and all of California's diverse communities.

MHAM events are supported and organized by a number of organizations and departments at UC San Diego including: Counseling and Psychological Services, the Zone, Active Minds@UCSD, Cross Cultural Center, Women's Center, Veteran's Resource Center.

For more information, please visit http://caps.ucsd.edu/may

Alan Houston Interim Vice Chancellor - Student Affairs