Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation Event
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this week in Delaware, leaders from government, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector came together to deliver a clear and urgent message: mental health is not a side issue - it is fundamental to the well-being of our communities.
On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Mental Health Association in Delaware (MHA) welcomed more than 60 professionals, advocates, and community leaders to Buena Vista Conference Center to officially mark the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month. The gathering served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action around the challenges still facing mental health care in Delaware.
Throughout the event, speakers highlighted the importance of expanding access to care, strengthening early intervention efforts for children and youth, supporting maternal mental health, and ensuring families have the long-term resources they need to thrive. Among the featured speakers was Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay, alongside state behavioral health leaders committed to advancing mental health initiatives across the state.
The need for continued advocacy and investment remains urgent. Current data show that more than 165,000 Delaware adults experience mental illness, and 132 lives were lost to suicide in 2024 alone. These numbers are more than statistics - they represent neighbors, friends, coworkers, and loved ones whose lives are impacted every day.
At the same time, the event also centered stories of recovery, resilience, and hope. Personal experiences shared throughout the program served as powerful reminders that healing is possible and that no one should have to navigate mental health challenges alone.
As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, MHA remains committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and connecting individuals and families to support and resources throughout Delaware.
Thank you to everyone who helped plan this meaningful event, attended in person or virtually, and shared in the conversation. Your support helps move this important work forward, and we could not do it without you.
Photos Credit: Brad Glazier, Glazier Photography
