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Proclamations: A Catalyst to Change

A proclamation is more than an official public announcement. At its best, it is a declaration of values—a moment when leadership names what matters and invites a community to be accountable to it.

Proclamations matter. They are often the first step in turning shared belief into public action. When President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it marked a defining moment in the Civil War. But the declaration itself did not complete the work. Change did not arrive overnight, and its promise required sustained action far beyond the day it was signed.

Proclamations matter because they begin a process, not because they finish one. Their real value is not ceremonial; it is catalytic. Meaningful progress happens when institutions, advocates, providers, and communities act on what has been declared and commit themselves to carrying that work forward.

Throughout May, we have been honored to receive proclamations from local chambers of commerce, recognizing the importance of mental health in our communities. We are grateful for the public acknowledgement because it affirms the progress that has been made, while reminding us of the responsibility still ahead. Awareness matters, but awareness alone is not enough. Recognition should lead to action, investment, and accountability.

As conversations around mental health and substance use treatment continue to evolve, the need for high-quality, accessible care has become more urgent. Recent federal policy shifts have raised questions about coverage, funding stability, and long-term access to behavioral health services. Meanwhile, states are left to consider how to strengthen crisis response, treatment access, and recovery support. That is why this work cannot rest with providers alone. It requires communities that speak up, policymakers who understand what is at stake, and partners who are willing to invest in systems that make care more available, more sustainable, and more responsive to the people who need it most.

So, this Mental Health Month, I am grateful to every partner who has helped elevate the importance of this work. And gratitude is only the beginning. The real measure of these proclamations will be what we do next—how, together, we continue to expand access, strengthen support, and turn public recognition into lasting progress for the communities we serve.

Sarah Alquist
President & CEO

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