Most Americans associate May with Mental Health Awareness Month, when the nation’s communities take stock of the importance of mental health and rally to support those living with mental illness. The campaign, launched in 1949, has also helped in reducing the stigma and encouraging open conversations. In 2025, it is not enough to just spot mental health issues but to deal with them. The call to action is a national theme, “Turn Awareness into Action,” and the appeal to these people, institutions, and governments is for them to do real, supportive change.
Axsome Therapeutics and MHA Join Forces
Mental Health America (MHA) is a biotechnology company Axsome Therapeutics has joined forces with in order to increase awareness and bolster access to mental health resources this year. The two started their joint campaign on May 1 when the One World Trade Center in New York City, was lit with green, the colour that stands for mental health awareness.
Basically, the campaign is to highlight the rising demand for stigma-free, accessible mental health care. As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Axsome and MHA are providing free digital toolkits, webinars, and advocacy guides to help individuals take part as well as communities. They are particularly convenient for those who wish to help others but have no idea where to begin. In addition, the two organizations are calling on people to show their support by using green lights in homes and businesses and displaying the lights in a visible way through the “Light Up Green” initiative.
Westchester County’s Community Approach
Westchester County, N.Y., is one of the places where a local government can do a lot to help promote mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month has been proclaimed by County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH). In an effort to meet the mental health needs of the community, DCMH has taken a number of initiatives to support residents.
Like last year, DCMH is leading this year’s efforts with the same national theme of “Turn Awareness into Action.” Throughout the month of October, Westchester County Center signs outside, which are digital, are displaying mental health messages. DCMH has also implemented educational programs, including “Soul Shop” training which is aimed at bridging the gap between faith based leaders and mental health experts, as well as a Fall Forum on co-occurring disorders.
The department is focused on workforce development and youth outreach in particular. At a recent youth summit, one of the focus areas was on mental health education in schools, and their message was for students to become some sort of an advocate in their own communities. May isn’t the only time that these initiatives are happening; they are long-term initiatives to build a healthier, more supportive environment.
Expanding Support Networks
Westchester also puts a focus on emergency mental health services. In 2024, the county funded the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which took over 18,000 calls. More than 2,000 individuals in distress were provided in-person support by the county’s Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT). This month, these services are promoted heavily to make sure that residents are aware of help that is available.
To enhance the interaction with the community, DCMH has kicked off a “Tweet a Day for May” campaign. Throughout the month, the department posts mental health facts, event details, and local resources on social media each day this month so that the conversation remains active and accessible.
Encouraging Everyday Action
National and local campaigns are sending the message that mental health is a responsibility of everyone. Hanging a green ribbon, starting a conversation, or volunteering for a mental health organization, these small things actually do make a difference at times. DCMH and such local agencies as Mental Health America (MHA) are encouraging people to be mindful of their friends and get in touch, but to listen without judgment and to get educated on the available resources.
Conclusion
This mental health awareness month, 2025, creates a very powerful coalition of voices of some corporate leaders like Axsome Therapeutics, national nonprofits like MHA, and even local governments like Westchester County, are in unison. Together, their words are spreading a message of hope, support, and action in communities across the country. The green lights shine, educational campaigns begin, and the impact is both symbolic and lifesaving. This May proves that mental health matters and everyone can continue to play a role in making it a national priority.
