The City of Easthampton held a flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday, May 20th at City Hall to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance dedicated to increasing public understanding of mental health and encouraging support for those impacted by mental health conditions.
The ceremony, organized in partnership with MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, brought together local leaders, health professionals, advocates, and community members for a moment of reflection and unity. The flag will serve as a visual symbol of hope and a commitment to fostering awareness, compassion, and access to care throughout Easthampton and beyond.
Mental illness is more common than many realize. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults in the U.S.—more than 57 million people—experience a mental health condition each year. Among youth, the crisis is equally urgent: nearly 1 in 3 adolescents aged 12 to 17 reported experiencing poor mental health in recent years, and suicide remains the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10
to 24.
MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, located in Holyoke, provides inpatient psychiatric care for adolescents and adults, as well as outpatient treatment for substance use recovery. The center is committed to meeting people where they are—emotionally, geographically, and culturally—with services that reflect the urgent and growing need for accessible mental health care in Western Massachusetts and across the region.
“We’re proud to join with the City of Easthampton in this important recognition,” said Kimberley Lee, Chief of Creative Strategy and Branding. “Mental health challenges do not discriminate—they affect people of every age, background, and walk of life. This ceremony is a powerful reminder that no one should feel invisible or alone in their struggle. Awareness leads to understanding and understanding leads to change.”
The flag will remain flying through the end of May to mark Mental Health Awareness Month, first observed in 1949. Over the decades, the campaign has helped millions of people recognize the signs of mental illness, reduce stigma, and seek help. Events like this one highlight the role local communities play in creating safe spaces for these important conversations.
For more information about the May 20 flag raising or to learn more about mental health and substance use services at MiraVista, contact Kim Lee at MiraVista Behavioral Health Center: klee@miravistabhc.care or 413-264-3042.