• Indiana's 'Turn Awareness Into Action' campaign for Mental Health Awareness Month 2025 encourages proactive steps towards mental well-being.
• Statewide efforts, including legislative actions and increased funding, have improved Indiana's ranking for mental health care access and outcomes from 42nd to 26th nationally.
• Local initiatives, such as 'Strides with Switzer' in Vigo County, provide community support and open dialogues about mental health.

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, and in 2025, Indiana is emphasizing turning awareness into action. Statewide initiatives are underway, including the 'Turn Awareness Into Action' campaign led by Mental Health America, encouraging individuals to take proactive steps towards improving mental well-being. This includes checking in on friends, contacting legislators, or seeking help. Simultaneously, local events, like 'Strides with Switzer' in Vigo County, aim to raise awareness and offer support through community engagement. These efforts aim to reduce stigma, promote open conversations, and improve access to mental health resources.

• What: Statewide and local initiatives promoting mental health awareness and action during Mental Health Awareness Month (May) 2025.
• Who: Mental Health America of Indiana, Vigo County Commissioner Chris Switzer, Indiana Behavioral Health Commission, Senator Mike Crider, Indiana General Assembly, Hoosiers.
• When: Primarily focused on Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2025, with ongoing initiatives and support systems.
• Where: Indiana, specifically Vigo County for the 'Strides with Switzer' event, and statewide for broader mental health programs.

Indiana is demonstrating a concerted effort to address mental health through both statewide policy and local community engagement. The improvement in the state's ranking for mental health care access indicates progress, but there's a continued need for further action and support. The 'Turn Awareness Into Action' campaign emphasizes individual responsibility and community involvement, while initiatives like the 988 lifeline offer critical immediate support. The combination of legislative action and community-level events reflects a comprehensive approach to tackling mental health challenges. The success of the 988 lifeline, as demonstrated by the significant increase in call volume and specific instances of crisis intervention, highlights the importance of accessible and responsive mental health services.

"It effects our children, our adults, our neighbors, our friends. I just want to increase the awareness of mental health, and just make people realize that it is okay to talk to people and have difficult conversations, while raising that green flag of mental health awareness month that is so important to people."

"You’ve literally saved my life."

Indiana's focus on mental health in May 2025 extends beyond awareness, encompassing proactive measures and collaborative initiatives aimed at tangible improvements. The 'Turn Awareness Into Action' campaign is complemented by legislative actions that seek to expand access to mental health care and improve outcomes for residents. These legislative efforts include SB0216, which modifies licensure requirements for mental health professionals, and HB1352, which establishes a First Responder Mental Health Wellness Fund. SB0446 aims to set standards for reimbursement rates for mental health and substance abuse services. Furthermore, various resources are available, including the 988 lifeline, support groups, and mental health first aid training. These resources target different populations, such as veterans, first responders, and the agricultural community, acknowledging their unique stressors. The involvement of community organizations, healthcare providers, and state agencies, along with initiatives like Mental Health First Aid training and awareness campaigns, underscores a comprehensive approach to fostering a mentally healthier Indiana. Conferences and events throughout the state in 2025, such as the First Responder Mental Wellness Conference and the Regional Integrated Mental Health Conference, will further contribute to these efforts.