(WNY News Now) – Chautauqua County, New York, joins the global community in recognizing World Mental Health Day 2023, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being as a universal human right.

Chautauqua County – Chautauqua County, New York, is standing in solidarity with communities worldwide on October 10, acknowledging World Mental Health Day 2023. While there is no formal proclamation this year, the significance of this day remains undiminished, highlighting the pivotal role mental well-being plays in fostering thriving communities.

The theme for this year, ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right,’ is more than a mere statement; it’s a call to action for individuals, organizations, educators, and policymakers alike. It urges them to recognize, prioritize, and advocate for mental health, recognizing its integral role in individual well-being and society as a whole.

In Chautauqua County, the following principles guide their commitment to mental health:

Every individual deserves access to mental health resources and support.

Eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health is a top priority.

Mental health should be treated with equal importance as physical health.

In the face of personal, environmental, or societal challenges, the community shares the responsibility of ensuring mental well-being.

Carmelo Hernandez, Director of Mental Hygiene and Commissioner of Social Services in Chautauqua County, affirmed, “World Mental Health Day signifies our ongoing commitment to supporting, understanding, and uplifting each other in Chautauqua County. We are dedicated to providing resources and fostering understanding to make mental well-being a universal reality.”

World Mental Health Day, established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), serves as a global beacon for raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues. It reminds us of our collective duty to create an environment where everyone can access care and openly discuss their mental health without fear of judgment.

Chautauqua County proudly participates in this global movement, striving to build a stronger, more resilient community that celebrates, nurtures, and prioritizes mental health. For additional resources and information on promoting mental well-being, please visit chqgov.com/mental-hygiene or letstalkstigma.org. To learn more about WFMH, visit wmhdofficial.com.