Mental Health Month (May 2026) Copyrighted
May 4, 2026
City of Dubuque PROCLAMATIONS # 2.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Mental Health Month (May 2026)
SUMMARY: On behalf of Mental Health America of Dubuque County
SUGGUESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Mental Health Month
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WHEREAS, for over 60 years, Mental Health America has brought together mental health providers,
consumers, family members, advocates and concerned residents to serve as an effective
voice for mental health in this area; and
WHEREAS, maintaining good mental health is vital to overall health and well-being, and mental health
conditions are common, manageable, and treatable; and
WHEREAS, one in five people will experience a mental health condition in any given year, and about
half of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some
point in their lives, with symptoms often beginning by age 14; and
WHEREAS, mental health challenges affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities, and
early intervention and access to care can save lives and improve outcomes; and
WHEREAS, seeking help for mental health concerns is an act of strength, and increasing awareness
about mental health can reduce stigma, improve understanding, and connect individuals
to the resources they need; and
WHEREAS, the theme for Mental Health Month 2026, "Turn Awareness Into Action," highlights the
need to move beyond awareness and take meaningful steps toward improving mental
health in our communities; and
WHEREAS, May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month, providing an
opportunity to raise awareness, combat stigma, and promote mental health resources.
NOW THEREFORE, I, BRAD M. CAVANAGH, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY COUNCIL, STAFF, AND RESIDENTS OF DUBUQUE, DO HEREBY
PROCLAIM THE MONTH OF MAY 2026 AS
"MENTAL HEALTH MONTH"
IN THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, AND CALL UPON THE RESIDENTS, GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, BUSINESSES, AND SCHOOLS IN THE DUBUQUE
AREA TO RECOMMIT OUR COMMUNITY TO INCREASING AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING
OF MENTAL HEALTH, CHALLENGE STIGMAS SURROUNDING MENTAL HEALTH, SEEK HELP
FOR THEMSELVES, AND TO CREATE SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENTS FOR OTHERS.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
and caused the Great Seal of the City of Dubuque to
be affixed this 4th day of May 2026.
Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest:
Trish L. Gleason, Assistant City Clerk
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2026: Submitted and accepted by Vick Gassman and 2 of our Board Members — Sue Whitty and Lynn
Gallagher would like to be present for the reading on May 4tn
2025: Submitted and accepted by Vick Gassman and Brenna Burgart.
2024: Submitted by Vicki Gassman, President for Mental Health America, Board of Dubuque County
PO Box 0283, Dubuque, IA 52004-0283, (563)580-7718, info@mhadbq.org, www.mhadbq.orqand
accepted by:
2023: Submitted by Brenna Burgart, Vice President for Mental Health America, Board of Dubuque
County and accepted by:
2022: Submitted by Vicki Gassman, President, Vicki.Gassman(a�unitvpoint.orq, and Brenna Burgart,
Vice President, burqartb ,sasc-dbq.orq, Mental Health America of Dubuque County. Accepted by
Brenna Burgart.
2021: Submitted by Sue Whitty, President, Mental Health America of Dubuque County PO Box 0283,
Dubuque, IA 52004-0283, (563)580-7718, info@mhadbq.org, www.mhadbq.org, and accepted by
Vicki Glassman, MHA Board Member
2020: Submitted by Sue Whitty, President, Mental Health America of Dubuque County
PO Box 0283, Dubuque, IA 52004-0283, (563)580-7718, info@mhadbq.org, www.mhadbq.org, and
accepted by Mayor Roy D. Buol.
2019: Submitted by Sue Whitty, President, Mental Health America of Dubuque County
PO Box 0283, Dubuque, IA 52004-0283, (563)580-7718, info@mhadbq.org, www.mhadbq.org, and
accepted by President of MHA of Dubuque County Sue Whitty.
2018: Submitted by Debra Klein, MHA Board of Directors, dklein _dbqschools.org, accepted by
President of MHA of Dubuque County Sue Whitty.
2017: Submitted by Debra Klein, MHA Board of Directors, dklein(a�dbqschools.orq, accepted by
President of MHA of Dubuque County Sue Whitty.
2016: Submitted by Debbie Klein, VP of MHA, dklein dbqschools.orq and accepted Matthew
Zanger, MHA Board of Directors and a representative of MHA Dubuque County.
2015: Submitted and accepted by Sue Whitty, President; and Debra Klein, Vice President, Mental
Health America of Dubuque County, info _mhadbq.orq, 563-584-0730
2014: Submitted by Dana Holthaus, 1340 South Grandview. Accepted by Sue Whitty, President,
Mental Health America of Dubuque
2013: Submitted by Dana Holthaus, 1340 South Grandview. Accepted by Jerry Jorgenson, Vice
President, Mental Health America of Dubuque
2012: Submitted by Ann Michalski, 1520 Altura Drive. Accepted by Jerry Jorgenson, Vice President,
Mental Health America of Dubuque.
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2011: n/a
2010: Submitted by Becky Sisco, Administrative Assistant, Mental Health America of Dubuque County,
563-584-0730. Accepted by Ann Michalski, 1520 Altura Drive.
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