Nevada City, CA – Nevada County is joining communities nationwide in recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Nevada County has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the mental health needs of its residents through investments in key behavioral health services, programs and infrastructure. In 2024, the County launched its 24/7 Mobile Crisis Team, which has completed 1,306 crisis assessments since its inception.
Earlier this year, Nevada County broke ground on the Deer Creek Behavioral Health Center, a 16-bed facility that will provide two essential levels of residential care not currently available within Nevada County, acute psychiatric hospitalization and mental health rehabilitation. The center is scheduled to open in Fall 2027.
Local officials broke ground on the County’s new Deer Creek Behavioral Health Center on March 31. Left to right: Sheriff Shannan Moon, County Executive Officer Alison Lehman, Health and Human Agency Director Ryan Gruver, District 5 Supervisor Hardy Bullock, District 1 Supervisor Heidi Hall, District 4 Supervisor and Vice-Chair Sue Hoek, Mark Faucette from Advocates for Human Potential, District 3 Supervisor and Chair Lisa Swarthout, Health and Human Agency Chief Fiscal Administrative Officer Ariel Lovett, Crestwood President Derek Dobbins, Acting Behavioral Health Director Cari Yardley, former Behavioral Health Director Phebe Bell.
“Each of us have times in our lives when we have struggled with mental health symptoms, from feelings of loneliness, fear, sadness, and despair to more prolonged mental health symptoms,” said Acting Behavioral Health Director, Dr. Cari Yardley. “It is part of being human.”
Later this month, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors will consider a resolution proclaiming May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Nevada County, highlighting the County’s commitment to promoting mental wellness through prevention, education, and access to supportive services.
Throughout May, Nevada County Behavioral Health and Public Health are offering community events, training, and educational opportunities focused on mental health, suicide prevention, and community connection, including:
Mental health and suicide prevention training for students and staff at local schools and for local community-based organizations
Outreach and education events, such as the Nevada County Recreation Fair, Armed Forces Day and the Nevada County Health & Safety Carnival
Health fairs at local high schools
During Mental Health Awareness Month, Nevada County Behavioral Health and Public Health remind residents that help is available year-round.
“No matter what journey you are facing with mental health, please know that you are not alone. Your experience matters and there are people who care about you,” continued Dr. Yardley. “If you know someone who is struggling, reach out to them, share these resources, remind them that they have people who care in their lives.”
The Nevada County Crisis Line is available 24/7/365 at 530-265-5811 to help connect people to the care they need. The Mental Health Matters Nevada County website, www.MentalHealthMattersNC.com, offers easy access to local mental health and suicide prevention resources, printable outreach materials, and guidance on how to support yourself and others.