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The Atlanta VA Mental Health Department collaborated with both internal and external partners – PACT ACT, St. Vincent de Paul, Suicide Prevention, Caregiver Support, Claratel Behavioral
Health (formerly Community Service Board) and others to make this year’s fair a success. Bringing attention to a silent problem is one of the goals for Mental Health Awareness Month.
According to Mental Health America, 53% of American adults live with mental illness and 46% meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition in their lifetime. Because of
inclement weather, the 2025 Green and Jean Day Mental Health Awareness Resource Fair was held indoors on Friday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center.
Despite the weather, important information on mental health was available from vendors. The Atlanta VA Mental Health Department collaborated with both internal and external partners –
PACT ACT, St. Vincent de Paul, Suicide Prevention, Caregiver Support, Claratel Behavioral Health (formerly Community Service Board) and others to make this year’s fair a success. Mental
Health Awareness Month has been observed in the United States since 1949. Every year during the month of May, the VA joins the national movement to raise awareness about the vital role
mental health plays in our overall health and well-being. Together, we can fight the stigma and provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support the millions of
people in the United States affected by mental illness. “Mental Health Awareness month is a way to raise awareness of those living with mental illnesses and to help reduce stigma that
surrounds mental illness”, said Kajuana Pitts, LCSW, Local Recovery Coordinator and organizer for the event for the past 4 years. According to VA Mental Health professionals, while many
Veterans do not experience mental health issues in their lifetime, it is critically important for those who do to know that support and treatment are available. By changing how people
discuss mental health conditions and symptoms of mental illness, VA is making it easier for Veterans who need support to feel comfortable reaching out. “Working out our mind is just as
important as working out our body because when we are mentally well, we are a better able to cope with difficult times in our person and/or professional lives,” said Pitts.