News Detail

Franklin County Shines Spotlight On Mental Health

Commissioners

May 09, 2025

During their May 7 public board meeting, the Franklin County Commissioners joined representatives from Franklin/Fulton Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention, the Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties, Healthy Communities Partnership and Franklin County Adult Probation to proclaim May to be Mental Health Month in Franklin County.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed May 2025 to be Mental Health Month in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners are urging residents to educate themselves on the impact mental health has on communities and to reduce the stigma shrouding the topic of mental health.

No one is immune from times of difficulty and stress. Each year, one in five Americans faces a mental health challenge. About half of all Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their lifetimes. Locally, more than 5,000 contacts have been made to the Keystone Health Crisis Intervention hotline and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline since July 2024 alone.

Knowing how to handle mental health challenges and how to protect one’s mental health and well-being is important.

“Mental health doesn’t just impact individuals; it can affect families and communities,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “We recognize Mental Health Month to acknowledge those who are struggling and to encourage them to seek the help and support they need. Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. Mental Health Month is also a reminder to check in on friends, loved ones, coworkers and neighbors to let them know they’re not alone.”

The 2025 national theme of Mental Health Month is “Turn Awareness Into Action.” As an acronym, ‘ACTION’ encourages individuals to take the following steps to make improving their mental health a priority:

A: Assess their mental health needs and the resources available to them

C: Choose a course of action

T: Take steps toward care

I: Identify additional supports

O: Observe what’s working – or not working

N: Nurture themselves

In recognition of Mental Health Month, Franklin/Fulton Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities/Early Intervention (MH/IDD/EI) is encouraging everyone to join the “Be Seen in Green Challenge” by wearing green on Fridays in May to show support for mental health awareness.

Mental health help is available by contacting Franklin/Fulton MH/IDD/EI at 717-264-5387 or mhiddei@franklincountypa.gov. Information on local mental health services is also available online under the Mental Health department page at www.franklincountypa.gov.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate attention, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.