May marks an important observance—Mental Health Awareness Month

John Hennelly, CEO, Sonoma Valley Hospital, offers advice to our community about about Mental Health Awareness Month:

“As we welcome the warmth and renewal that comes with May, we find many reasons to celebrate. This month, we honor our exceptional nurses during Nurses Week and recognize the dedication of our entire team during Hospital Week. The compassion, professionalism, and tireless commitment of our team at Sonoma Valley Hospital is what makes our care so extraordinary. Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate their remarkable contributions, not just this month, but throughout the year.

May also marks an important observance—Mental Health Awareness Month. At Sonoma Valley Hospital, we are deeply committed to the mental well-being of both the wider community and our employees. In our community, our primary mental health role is in acute care in the Emergency Department. Those in mental health crisis in our ER will find calm, compassionate care as we stabilize patients for transfer to continuing support.

Mental health is integral to living a vibrant and healthy life. This month, I encourage each of you to pay attention to your mental health. Reach out for support if you or someone you know is in need and remember to always treat yourself with kindness.

Together with our community partners, we continue to support those facing mental health challenges by providing immediate care and connecting them with community services for ongoing support.

Let’s stand together this Mental Health Awareness Month to support each other and reinforce our community’s health and well-being.”