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Picklesimer issues proclamation for mental illness awareness

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Photo by Jasmyne Ray

In addition to regular council business, the Oct. 2 Chelsea City Council meeting shined a light on ending the stigma surrounding mental illness.

With all council members in attendance, Mayor Tony Picklesimer issued a proclamation dubbing Oct. 7 through Oct. 13 “Mental Illness Awareness Week.” Newly appointed Shelby County probate judge, Allison Boyd, was also present and commended the mayor’s proclamation.

“I’m really looking forward to working with all of our agencies and our cities and developing, maybe, some new programs for mental health awareness,” Boyd said. “I’m so excited to be here tonight with the city of Chelsea, and this proclamation means a lot because getting that word out and trying to end the stigma is to be first and foremost on all of our minds.”

Joan Elder, president of the Alabama chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, was present as well, and briefly addressed the audience about her organization’s purpose and some of the programs that NAMI as a whole does to assist in ending the stigma.

NAMI works to provide knowledge and various services towards educating people about mental illness and ways to be an ally to those who have a mental illness.

According to the Alabama chapter of NAMI’s website, mental illnesses “cannot be overcome through ‘will power’” and don’t reflect the affected individual’s character or level of intelligence. They typically emerge during adolescence and adulthood, though people of all ages can be affected. The way that stigmas hurt individuals with mental illnesses is by demeaning the fact that they are real, valid illnesses that should be treated with as much care as physical illnesses.

Boy Scout Troop 354 was present for the city council meeting as each scout worked toward earning their Citizenship in the Community merit badge. The scouts presented the colors and lead those present for the meeting in the pledge of allegiance.

One scout was promoted to the level of Eagle Scout for his handiwork in making benches for various areas around the city of Chelsea; for which Mayor Picklesimer awarded him a plaque.

A key piece of council business covered that evening was the presentation of a proposed resolution that authorized Mayor Picklesimer to purchase four portable restroom units from A Plus Portable Restrooms, Inc. to replace the ones lost in a recent fire at Chelsea Middle School that destroyed the concession stand and connected bathrooms. The resolution was approved, seconded and carried.

“We’re helping with the restrooms out of civic duty,” Mayor Picklesimer said.

Whether or not the concession stand will be rebuilt depends on what course of action the Board of Education decides to take regarding the fire.

Also covered during the meeting:

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