A belief in potential. A right to dream. An opportunity to achieve.
Welcome to SCCMHA
We at SCCMHA have a deep-seated belief in the potential of every person we meet.
These same persons have a right to dream and imagine a life of their choosing and we are here to support those dreams and help them with opportunities to achieve.
January is Mental Wellness Month
Prioritize your mental health! January is Mental Wellness Month, first recognized in 1949 by the United States Congress in observation of the increased number of veterans suffering from mental illnesses after returning from World War II.
Since then, it has branched out to raise awareness on prioritizing mental well-being, establishing healthy habits and strengthening your mental health for the coming year. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that roughly 1 in 4 people globally are affected by mental illness and approximately 46.6 million adults experience it in any given year.
To encourage more focus on mental wellness, practice self-care for yourself by engaging in things like physical activity, better eating habits, drinking plenty of water and participating in the things that bring you joy. Take time to learn more about ways to practice good mental health care, seeking out resources to assist you in growing more effective methods to improve your mental wellness.
Making smaller steps, such as getting better sleep, finding ways to destress and practice mindfulness are other ways to take care of yourself.
You can’t promote the importance of good mental health without taking care of your own as well!
January is Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month
Treatment and recovery are possible.
According to a study done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an estimated 54.2 million people aged 12 and older needed treatment for a substance abuse disorder in 2023. Only 23% of that number received the treatment needed.
It is highly important to raise awareness that those in need know treatment is effective and achievable for those who struggle with substance use.
Because of that, this January will see SAMHSA recognizing the first Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month. This observation will encourage support for those seeking help for their substance use, their loved ones and those who work to treat substance use disorders.
Of the 30.5 million adults in the US who feel they have or have had substance use problems, around 22 million say they are in recovery. Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month can also highlight the elimination of stigma around treatment through medication and encourage those on their recovery journey.
Help is out there for people who need it.
For information on resources and treatment options, go to findtreatment.gov.
January 19th is World Religion Day
Around 75% of people in the world practice one of six different religions: Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and Sikhism and there are about 4200 total religions around the world.
Despite the differences in the faiths and beliefs of many people, we must recognize the importance of respect in each other’s religious beliefs.
World Religion Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of every January, this year being Jan. 19.
The aim of the holiday is to promote understanding and peace between all religions, as well as encouraging each other to learn more about other faiths.
Some acknowledge World Religion Day through reflection that we should treat each other with respect and understanding to create a better world for everyone.
The holiday was first observed in 1950 and started by followers of the Baha’i faith, under the idea that all religions have some common features and all should be given courtesy for their beliefs with the intention for harmonious living and unifying all people.
To learn more and find resources: World Religion Day 2025 resources - BBC Teach
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is January 15!
The third Monday of January is celebrated as a federal holiday, commemorating the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation, marking the birthday of Dr. King as a national holiday.
MLK Day, celebrated this year on Jan. 20, has become an act of service day, encouraging all Americans to get involved with and help their communities.
Born Jan. 15, 1929, Dr. King was a central icon and figure for the Civil Rights Movement in 1950s and 1960s. His leading of the March on Washington in 1963, culminating in his famous “I Have A Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial is one of the most historic moments in the US.
He was instrumental in the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlawing racial discrimination in public accommodations, facilities and employment. He also helped with the adoption of the Voting Act of 1965, outlawing discriminatory voting practices in the southern states following the Civil War.
To honor Dr. King this year, reach out to your local communities and educate them on the stigma of mental health and how others can help.
To learn more, visit:
www.americorps.gov/serve/volunteer/mlk-day
www.naacp.org/campaigns/mlk-day
Celebrate Chinese New Year - January 29
The history of the Chinese New Year can be traced back to over 3500 years ago, changing customs and traditions through that time.
While some think Chinese New Year is only celebrated on one day, it’s actually a 15-day celebration that signifies the beginning of the year, following the phases of the moon, otherwise known as the Lunar New Year. Because the dates of the new moon range, the date of the Lunar New Year adjusts every year.
In 2025, Chinese New Year falls on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The holiday is steeped in legend, telling of a monster known as Nian, who would eat livestock, crops and villagers at the beginning of each new year. To keep Nian from causing destruction, people would put food out at their doors for Nian.
However, it was said a wise old villager learned that Nian was scared of loud noises and the color red. In response, villagers put red lanterns and scrolls on their windows and doors to keep Nian at bay. Crackling bamboo, eventually replaced by firecrackers would scare the beast away.
In the time since, the Chinese New Year symbolized the Spring Festival (despite still being winter) and represents the start of the agricultural season. Red lanterns and scrolls are still used as decoration to expresses hopefulness for the coming year, but traditions also include feasts, open-air markets, and cleaning the house to invite good luck.
The Chinese New Year also follows a zodiac than many are used to. Unlike the Western zodiac most other cultures use, the Chinese zodiac divides time cycles by years, rather than months, with a different animal representing each year.
2025 in the Chinese zodiac is the year of the snake.
To learn more: Lunar New Year - National Museum of Asian Art | History of Chinese New Year - Timothy S. Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology | Lunar New Year