This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness invites community members, organizations and businesses to join others throughout the nation in Lighting Up Green, a visual show of support for mental health.

From May 1-31, buildings in Santa Barbara County will be illuminated in lime green, the official color of mental health awareness.

The campaign serves as a reminder that no one is alone in facing mental health challenges, Department of Behavioral Wellness said.

This year’s national theme Turn Awareness into Action encourages people to move beyond simply acknowledging mental health issues and toward making meaningful change.

“With one in five individuals experiencing a mental health condition each year, it’s more important than ever to take action — for ourselves, for others, and for our communities,” Department of Behavioral Wellness said.

To Get Involved:
• Light Up Green: Illuminate your building, home, or office in green this May to show solidarity and raise awareness.
• Lawn Signs Available: Want to display a sign in support? Lawn signs are available while supplies last. Email Suzanne Grimmesey at suzkirk@sbcbwell.org to request a sign.
• Be Recognized Statewide: If you plan to participate by lighting up a building and would like to be included in the official California and national Mental Health America listings, email Grimmesey by April 9. Be sure to send in pictures of your building to be shared broadly.
• Join the Board of Supervisors Proclamation: Attend the May 6 meeting where the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors will formally proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month.  Explore other free events taking place throughout the community.  Click here to see more.
• For more ways to make an impact, explore the Mental Health America 2025 Planning Guide for ideas on how your business, school, or organization can take action. For individuals, the Mental Health Month Guide offers a calendar of daily wellness tips and activities.                                   
• Need Support? Help is available 24/7. Contact the Behavioral Wellness Crisis Response and Services Access Line, 888-868-1649 for support or to be connected with services.

To learn more about the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, visit: http://countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness.