May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Every year since 1949, the United States has celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM). Founded following World War II, it was initiated by Mental Health America (MHA) (then known as the National Association for Mental Health) to educate the public, reduce stigma, and advocate for better treatment.
Today, like then, we observe Mental Health Awareness Month to promote understanding, focus on education and policy, decrease stigma, and support those in recovery.
How is HCA observing MHAM?
New website for older adults
For 2026, HCA launched a new campaign called "See How I Feel." The goal of the campaign is to help adults ages 65 and older recognize changes in their mental health, start conversations, and connect to care.
Read our news release to learn more or visit the See How I Feel website. (En español)
For our PEBB and SEBB members
Your medical plan provides access to behavioral health services, including mental health counseling and substance use disorder treatment.
Find what coverage is available on the Behavioral health services by plan webpages (PEBB, SEBB).
You can also use the Medical Benefits Comparison (PEBB, SEBB, Medicare) to find out what you pay for behavioral health services.
Help us improve!
The PEBB and SEBB Programs are committed to making it easier for our members to understand and access behavioral health benefits.
Take this short survey about your experience with your behavioral health benefits. It should take 5 minutes. Your responses will help us understand what’s working well, where there are challenges, and how we can improve communication, resources, and access to care. We appreciate your time and input.
What can you do?
The following are just a few ideas to get you started.
Get involved. Mental Health America’s theme for 2026 is “More Good Days, Together.” Check out MHA’s suggestions for participating.
Put on the green. Throughout the month, wear a green ribbon—the international symbol for mental health awareness—to show support.
Support mental health education. Host a lunch-and-learn on stress management or invite experts to your club, organization, or local community center for a Q&A session.
Share your story. Write a blog post or submit your story to organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or This is My Brave.
Use SAMHSA’s MHAM toolkit. SAMHSA’s theme this year is “See the Person. Support the Journey.” Their toolkit provides materials to help you spread awareness in your community.