Hall highlights need for mental health awareness

In her job as probate judge of Marengo County, Laurie Hall must preside over hearings to determine if someone must be committed for treatment of a mental health condition.

At the county Commission meeting Tuesday, Hall reminded members that May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

“We spend a significant part of our time dealing with mental health commitments,” she said.

“We are fortunate to have the local hospital and the West Alabama Mental Health as well” as her office continues to see a great number of people who need help.

Each year Hall issues a proclamation about mental health awareness. As she read her 2022 proclamation to the Commission, she stressed that “awareness is key.”

“We want to make sure that people who have mental health illnesses get the treatment that they require and to know that the treatment is available,” she said.

In her proclamation, Hall said mental health problems affect people of all races, creeds, ages and economic status. It is the most prevalent health problem in America today, “more common than cancer, lung and heart disease combine,” stated the proclamation.

She said two-thirds of adults and young people with mental health problems aren’t getting the help they need. When those problems are not addressed, the costs to both the public and private sectors rise to the billions of dollars.

The proclamation goes on to say “Marengo County has made a commitment to community-based systems of mental health care in which all residents can receive high-quality and consumer responsive services.”