From the Desk of Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. As your Commissioner and a Counselor professionally, I want encourage you to take time this month to reach out to speak to someone about how you are feeling. This month we continue to fight the stigma surrounding mental health illnesses, and advocate for those around us that may feel alone in their fight. If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help. You can use these resources to find help for you, a friend, or a family member.

Mental Health Association of Central Florida MHACF has a free mental health information helpline in Orange County. They have trained volunteers that can put you in touch with someone who can help. They also provide support to residents in Lake County, Osceola County and Seminole County. (407)898-0110 Crisis Text Line. Text “HELLO” to 741741. The Crisis Text hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the U.S. The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, connecting them with a crisis counselor who can provide support and information.

Help us spread the word through awareness, support and advocacy activities. Share awareness for #MHAM throughout May. I received the vaccination in April at the Orange County Convention Center and was able to witness the ease in which the Florida Department of Health in Orange County worked to serve our community. Orange County Government, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, are now operating a rotating, mobile vaccination site at different locations throughout the County. Visit ocfl.net to find locations for this mobile site.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at district4@ocfl.net or call my office at 407836-5881.