Mental Health Awareness Month 2021
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court is again collaborating with Recovery Resources on an art show.
This will be the fifth year that artwork is being presented on the first floor of the Justice Center, because the display was fully virtual in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with pieces created by clients at Recovery Resources, there is also information available about mental illness, treatment options, and intervention.
In 2002, the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, suburban court partners, and community stakeholders created the Mental Health Court Initiative. Together, they developed the Mental Health Court Docket model.
Now known as the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Court (MHDD), the dedicated docket has five judges: Judge Hollie L. Gallagher - Chair, Judge Deena R. Calabrese, Judge Michael P. Shaughnessy, Judge Shannon M. Gallagher, and Judge Deborah M. Turner.
The collaborative effort between the courts and community agencies like Recovery Resources has helped to provide improved care for those on the MHDD Court while promoting increased safety for the community through therapeutic approaches and evidence-based practices.
In 2019, it was reported that 1 in 4 adults suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder. Today, that number has risen to 4 in every 10 adults.
In past years, this extensive exhibit has been displayed in the lobby of the Justice Center to spotlight the subject of mental health, its importance to a person’s well-being, and the Mental Health specialty dockets that seek treatment over punishment. However, due to social distancing guidelines, all of the pieces will be highlighted this year in a virtual exhibit, with a small display located at the Justice Center.
In the virtual exhibit, rooms of all mediums are on display including paintings, sketches, graphic design, and sculptures. The online platform allows viewers to select a piece of artwork and to learn more about the artist and their journey. Some pieces are available for sale.
The virtual art show can be found at www.recres.org/MentalHealthAwarenessMonth and will be on display though May 31st.
