May 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of Mental Health Awareness Month. In recognition of this milestone, Lehigh County commissioners, during the May 12 meeting, took time to recognize the importance of showing compassion and understanding to those living with mental health conditions.

According to the board’s resolution, one in five adults experience mental health conditions each year. Across the country, five million youths, between the ages of 5-12, have experienced major depression in the last year.

“The county has a significant interest in the mental health wellness of our community,” Chairman Geoff Brace said. “It’s the largest function that county government provides through our department of Human Services.”

Commissioner April Riddick said, “It’s a crisis that’s going on all over.”

Riddick told her colleagues they must ensure the word gets out what about services are available to those in need.

In other business, Brace announced the Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office was reaccredited by Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association as a law enforcement agency. Brace also said the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office has been accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners. This is a first for a coroner’s office in Pennsylvania.

Brace remarked the recognition as a “true testimony to the hard work of the coroner’s office staff and leadership of Dan Buglio.”