Mayor urges youth mental health awareness

Blaine mayor Bonnie Onyon made a proclamation at the August 26 city council meeting calling attention to the importance of youth mental health.

Onyon proclaimed August 26 as “a time to focus on our youth with mental health disorders” and urged “our citizens and all agencies and organizations in our community to unite in the observance of such resources and activities as will acquaint the people of Blaine with the fundamental necessity of year-round programs for children, youth and young adults with mental health disorders.”

In her proclamation, Onyon praised organizations like the Healthy Youth Coalition and the Boys and Girls Club for providing healthy activities and support services for youth. She also noted that the city has committed funds to establish a full-time resource officer in the Blaine school district “in order to establish a healthy connection with students in our public schools.”

Onyon said that addressing the complex mental health needs of children, youth and families today is fundamental to the future of the Blaine community, which she said has a critical responsibility to provide comprehensive, coordinated mental health services for children, youth and young adults.

“It is appropriate that a time should be set apart for the direction of our thoughts and actions toward our children’s mental health and well-being,” she said. “The Blaine community has a desire to serve children, youth and young adults, especially those with mental health disorders, and cares about the mental health needs of these youth and their families.”

Onyon also said that addressing youth mental health is important for public health and safety reasons.