Rockwall recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month

ROCKWALL, TX – May 18, 2021 — Rockwall Mayor Kevin Fowler issued a proclamation during last night’s city council meeting recognizing May 2021 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Rockwall. Fowler was joined by Mike Wallace, President of the newly formed organization in Rockwall County called Citizen Advocates for Mental Health, and Monica Hardman, Mental Health Officer with the Rockwall Police Department.

Hardman said ever since she entered her role last year, she quickly realized the need was there. Since beginning her role, she has taken 218 mental health-related calls from individuals around the county.

“In the City of Rockwall, officers are encouraged to attend advanced training courses in the area of mental health. Rockwall Police Department is committed to partnering with mental health providers, community service providers and those within the justice system to develop a compassionate and cost-effective approach that emphasizes providing community-based treatment, instead of incarceration of individuals affected by mental illness,” Hardman said.

Hardman started Citizen Advocates for Mental Health (CAMH) last year, a support group for loved ones of individuals affected by mental illness. As a soon-to-be 501(c) organization, CAMH focuses on the following:

Support family members as they are engaged in dealing with loved ones in the throes of mental illness
Advocate for creation of a more positive interaction between the community and those who protect it
Engage to provide in Rockwall County, a fully staffed “Early Crisis Prevention Unit” and appropriate supporting medical facilities

“This group is passionate and driven, and I am honored to be a part of that group that I know will be the change for those with mental illness,” Hardman said.

To promote public awareness of Mental Health Month, CAMH have joined with NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, for an “Awareness Walk” to be held at 9 a.m. this coming Saturday, May 22, at the marina/park on the northeast end of the Heroes Memorial Bridge on State Highway 66 bridge between Rockwall and Rowlett. The public is invited to join in the walk.

By Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News.