21% of all U.S. adults live with a mental health condition and 46% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at sometime in their life.

Your mental health is important. Often, we feel alone in our daily struggles, but we're not! Mental health conditions are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed or frightened of. Take some time this month to learn more about your mental health and the many resources available.

Be ready for hurricane season. Today you can determine your personal hurricane risk, find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and review/update insurance policies. You can also make a list of items to replenish hurricane emergency supplies and start thinking about how you will prepare your home for the coming hurricane season. If you live in hurricane-prone areas, you are encouraged to complete these simple preparations before hurricane season begins on June 1.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) recognizes that there are a number of barriers preventing some Virginians from accessing the tools and resources to help them before, during, and after a disaster.

Whether it be a language barrier, lack of internet, socio-economic barrier or otherwise; the Partners in Preparedness program will partner with organizations who serve these vulnerable and underserved communities, and work with them to break down barriers to work toward a more equitable and inclusive Virginia.

Learn more about this free program,

and be one of the first to sign up

starting May 1st at

vaemergency.gov/partners-in-preparedness.