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-Editorial
At its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 4, the Calexico City Council unanimously approved a resolution declaring June as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. The initiative was introduced by the Rotary Club of Calexico and formally presented to the council during the meeting.
The resolution, signed by Mayor Pro Tem Victor Legaspi, was received by Rotary Club President Mario Conde, along with club members Tania Guerrero and Michael Domenzain. The proclamation aims to raise awareness about the mental health challenges men face and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in the community.
During the presentation, President Conde delivered remarks emphasizing the need to address longstanding societal pressures on men to remain silent about their emotional struggles.
“For too long, society has told men to ‘tough it out,’ to hide their emotions, and to suffer in silence. But the truth is this: strength isn’t about staying silent. It’s about speaking up, seeking help, and supporting one another without judgment,” Conde said.
He noted that millions of men across the country suffer from anxiety, depression, and trauma, often without the support they need due to stigma. He urged the community to normalize open conversations, therapy, and emotional vulnerability.
“This month — and every month — let’s break the silence. Let’s choose courage. Let’s take care of our minds, our hearts, and each other,” Conde added.
To continue the conversation, the Rotary Club of Calexico, NAMI of Imperial Valley, and the Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives District 5340 San Diego Imperial Valley will host a panel discussion on men’s mental health on Monday, June 30 at 5 PM at the Camarena Memorial Library. The event will feature speakers and resources from several Imperial Valley agencies and is open to the public.
The upcoming panel discussion will feature the participation of key organizations working to support mental wellness in the region, including Sure Helpline, Reps4Vets, NAMI, Calexico Wellness Center, Womanhaven, the Donnelly Center, Imperial County Behavioral Health, the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office, Legacy M.D., Ventanilla de Salud/Consulado de México, and Options for All.