Employees Encouraged to Wear Green…Ribbons
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The County would like for you to go green. Wear a green ribbon that is.
Lime green is the national color for mental health awareness and more than 17,000 green ribbons will be made available to County employees for Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated every May.
Furthermore, Each Mind Matters—the California Mental Health Movement—is donating 100 kits that will be sent, along with the green ribbons, to County human resources offices, family resource centers and some community partners. The kits include a wall display, posters, green wrist bands, key chains and other education materials.
“Whether you wear a green ribbon for a day, a week or during the entire month, you’ll be helping to raise awareness about mental illness,” said Alfredo Aguirre, director of the County’s Behavioral Health Services for the Health and Human Services Agency. “When people feel more comfortable with their mental illness diagnosis, they are more likely to seek the help they need.”
The goal is to help people feel comfortable having open conversations about mental health challenges and to encourage them to get help, either for themselves or a loved one.
Here’s how you can get involved and show your support:
Create awareness by wearing your lime green ribbon and talk to your family and friends about why Each Mind Matters to you.
Add your name to the lime green ribbon wall if there’s one in your office.
Visit It’s Up to Us to learn more about how mental health stigma affects some of us and what you can do to help change the perception of those struggling with a mental illness.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate help, call the County’s Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240. Non-crisis resources for staff are also available through the County’s Employee Assistance Program at (888) 777-6665 or by visiting its website.