May 2024 marks the 75th Anniversary of Mental Health Awareness Month. In recognition of this milestone, Lehigh County Commissioners recognized the importance of showing compassion and understanding to those living with mental health conditions during their May 8 meeting.

According to the board’s resolution, 1 in 5 adults experience mental health issues each year.

Across the country, 5 million youth, between the ages of 5-12, have experienced major depression in the last year.

“The county has a significant interest in the mental health wellness of our community,” Chairman Geoff Brace said. “It’s the largest function that county government provides through our Department of Human Services.”

Commissioner April Riddick expressed to the board the important role they, as commissioners, have in speaking out about mental health issues.

“It’s a crisis that’s going on all over,” Riddick said.

She ended her comments by telling her colleagues they must ensure word gets out about services available to those in need.

In other matters, Brace announced the Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office was reaccredited by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission following review by the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.

Brace also noted the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office has been accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners.

The full accreditation status through NAME is effective through May 2028.

The accreditation process consists of a rigorous inspection of the forensic center and review of the office practices, including the implementation of policies and procedures.

The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office and Forensic Center is the first coroner’s office in the commonwealth to achieve such an honor and the third coroner’s office in the country to be accredited by both NAME and the International Association of Coroner’s and Medical Examiners.

“This is true testimony to the hard work of the coroner’s office staff and leadership of Dan Buglio,” Brace said.