Kane County Reporter

The Equity & Inclusion Commission has put forward recommendations to the City Council aimed at ensuring inclusivity within the community. This initiative is part of a broader effort to embrace individuals regardless of age, gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, religion, or abilities.

In May, the focus turns to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This period serves as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans in shaping U.S. history. The choice of May for this observance is linked to two significant dates: the arrival of Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869—a feat largely achieved through Chinese immigrant labor.

For those interested in exploring more about AANHPI Heritage Month's origins or seeking ways to participate in related activities throughout Illinois this month, resources are available on both the Federal Asian Pacific American Council's website and Illinois.gov.

May also marks Mental Health Awareness Month with a theme for 2025 centered around "Community: Connect, Support, Thrive." The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides key statistics highlighting that one in five adults in the U.S. will experience some form of mental illness during their lifetime. Additionally, one in twenty adults will face serious mental illness while 17% of youth aged six to seventeen will encounter a mental health disorder before adulthood.

Support is accessible for those dealing with mental health challenges. Resources can be found online offering guidance and assistance. Important contact numbers include:

- Call 988 for mental health support.

- Call 211 for referrals to local services.

- Call 911 for emergencies involving medical situations or requiring police and fire services.

Further resources encompass Evaluation and Referral Services as well as General Behavioral Health and Mental Wellness Services provided by organizations such as Kane County Health Department.