City Council proclaims May as Mental Health Awareness Month

posted on 5/3/2025

At a recent City Council meeting, Mayor Robert Carrier read a proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and support in the community.

"Mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being, impacting youth, families, individuals and those who work in our businesses across Dover," the mayor said, reading from the proclamation.

Mayor Carrier presented the proclamation to representatives of the Dover Mental Health Alliance at the April 23 meeting, emphasizing concerning statistics about mental health challenges.

"One in five American adults experiences a mental health condition each year, with one in six American adolescents ages 12 to 17 experiencing a major depressive episode," Carrier said.

The proclamation encourages Dover residents to educate themselves about mental health conditions, challenge stigma through respectful and inclusive language, seek help when needed, and support organizations providing mental health services.

Suzanne Weete, co-founder of the Dover Mental Health Alliance and Community Engagement and Education Manager at Community Partners, expressed gratitude for the city's support.

"Thank you so much, Mayor Carrier, for the support that you have given us over the years, as well as all of the City Council, for allowing us to come and have these proclamations delivered," Weete said.

Weete also acknowledged efforts within Dover schools and the broader community to address mental health concerns.

"I'm just really proud of all the work that our high school students do with the mental health initiative to try to change the culture within the school system and in the high school, and then also our community members who really have embraced the idea," she said. "We need to talk about mental health, talk about mental health challenges, and learn about how we can get help or give help as needed."

The proclamation ceremony concluded with Weete recognizing Superintendent of Schools William Harbron for his leadership as an early supporter of the Dover Mental Health Alliance.

The full proclamation can be read here.