DATE: October 6, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Susan Holt, Director, Department of Behavioral Health
SUBJECT: Department Celebrations and Recognitions
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Department of Behavioral Health to recognize and celebrate holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months, in compliance with Administrative Policy No. 81.
REPORT
Administrative Policy No. 81 was approved to govern department celebrations and recognition of holidays, themes, events, days, weeks or months as approved prior to their occurrence by a majority of the Board of Supervisors by resolution or proclamation. Approval of the recommended action will allow the Department of Behavioral Health (Department) to celebrate and recognize the proposed celebrations. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board not approve the recommended action, the Department will not officially and publicly celebrate or recognize the holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months described within the attached Department Celebration Forms.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. Any event or observance in which the Department intends to incur expenses will be brought to your Board for approval in accordance with Administrative Policy No. 80.
DISCUSSION:
On August 5, 2025, your Board discussed and provided direction on an approval process for County departments to officially and publicly celebrate or recognize holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months.
On September 9, 2025, Administrative Policy No. 81 - Department Celebrations and Recognitions was approved by your Board and allows County departments to officially and publicly celebrate or recognize those holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months that are approved by a majority of the Board of Supervisors by resolution or proclamation, prior to their occurrence.
The Department’s goal in celebrating workplace and community events is to foster a positive and engaging environment that strengthens employee and community wellness and connection. The Department’s Morale Committee coordinates events that provide employees with opportunities to engage in positive social interactions with their colleagues, fostering a sense of unity and belonging in the workplace while supporting physical and mental well-being.
The Department participates in broader community celebrations and observances throughout the year, recognizing the various traditions and values that reflect the communities we serve. By acknowledging and participating in these events, the Department demonstrates its commitment and dedication to providing quality, culturally responsive, and behavioral health services to promote wellness, recovery, and resiliency for individuals and families in our community.
The Department requests Board approval to celebrate and recognize the following events:
National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month (October)
Raise awareness about mental health, promote early detection, and encourage individuals to seek support.
National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month and Substance Use Prevention Month (October)
Highlights the importance of preventing alcohol, tobacco, and drug misuse before it starts.
Emotional Wellness Month (October)
Highlights the importance of mental and emotional health, encouraging individuals to evaluate their stress levels, build resilience, and prioritize self-care.
ADHD Awareness Month (October)
Educates the public about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and provides support and resources for individuals living with the condition and their families.
Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 4th - 10th)
Provides awareness on mental health conditions and promotes resources.
World Mental Health Day (October 10th)
Raise awareness and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
National Case Management Week (October 11th - 17th)
Recognizing, celebrating, and raising awareness about the vital role that professional case managers play across the healthcare continuum.
OCD Awareness Week (October 11th - 17th)
Educate the public and connect individuals with effective treatment.
Global Peer Support Celebration Day (October 15th)
Recognizes individuals who draw upon their own lived experiences with mental health conditions, substance use, or trauma to support others navigating recovery.
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (November 21, 2026)
Day dedicated to helping people affected by the suicide of a loved one come together for healing, mutual support, and connection.
Hmong New Year (December, January)
Cultural celebration for the Hmong community, marking the end of the harvest season, giving families a much-needed period of rest, celebration, and spiritual renewal.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3rd)
Promotes the rights, well-being, and dignity of individuals with disabilities across all aspects of social, economic, and cultural life.
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7th)
Honors and remembers the service members and civilians who were killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The attached Department Celebration Forms include additional information regarding the aforementioned holidays, themes, events, days, weeks, or months the Department requests approval to recognize or celebrate. The events listed are recognized through social media posts, internal or external newsletters, and informational materials that can be themed around the observance, to raise awareness of Behavioral Health messaging and bolster community connection. Some of the events are voluntary workplace events and celebrations that involve no staff time but allow employees to celebrate together during meal and rest periods.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #7, September 9, 2025
BAI #9, August 5, 2025
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Department Celebration Forms
CAO ANALYST:
Ronald Alexander