Council draws attention to Mental Health Awareness Month, resources for help  

The Waltham City Council on Tuesday passed a resolution recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month, reaffirming the city’s commitment to reducing stigma, promoting mental well-being, and improving access to care for residents.

First recognized nationally in May 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month aims to increase understanding of mental health issues, encourage those in need to seek help and highlight available resources.

The council’s resolution emphasizes the growing need for communitywide support, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We haven’t returned to normal,” said Ward 6 Councilor Sean T. Durkee, who introduced the resolution. “I think [mental health] is something we really need to focus on.”

The resolution notes alarming statistics: one in five U.S. adults experienced an anxiety disorder in the past year, and one in 12 suffered from major depressive disorder. Among teenagers, the rates are even higher, with one in three for anxiety and one in five for depression.

The resolution also highlights barriers to treatment, including a shortage of mental health professionals in Massachusetts, restrictive insurance coverage, high deductibles and limited access to in-network providers.

Durkee stressed the importance of visibility and accessibility, citing the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — a 24/7 text or call service — as a critical resource for anyone in crisis. 

“Even if someone just Googles ‘Waltham City Council and mental health,’ I want them to find the 988 number,” he said. “It could save a life.”

Durkee wore green to the meeting, symbolizing mental health awareness and its associations with hope, renewal and growth.

Councilors praised the effort and pledged support. The resolution also directs the city to work with Public Health Director Michelle M. Feeley to compile and share a list of public, private and nonprofit mental health resources available in Waltham.

Additional City Council actions 

1432 Main St. special permit approved
The City Council approved a special permit for Ferris Development Group LLC’s commercial building at 1432 Main St. Minor corrections were made to final plan documents before receiving unanimous support from councilors via roll call vote.

460 Totten Pond Road development gets green light
The City Council unanimously approved a special permit for ALP PHOP Manager LLC to increase the floor area ratio at its 460 Totten Pond Road building. The approval includes added conditions for driveway design review, traffic sight lines, EV readiness and directional signage. Councilors commended the developer for community support and cooperation.

School facilities department to move to new location
The mayor requested $181,500 to relocate the Waltham Public Schools facilities department from 258 Trapelo Road to 617 Lexington St. as well as a request for $812,688 to fund minor capital items for fiscal year 2025. Both requests were referred to the Finance Committee for further review.

Bentley Pond restoration
Councilors discussed the deteriorated condition of the pond on Bentley University’s campus, once home to a trail, footbridge and fountain. They called on the university to provide an update on restoration efforts, improve public access and reinstate former features. A request was made for a university representative to attend the next Public Works and Public Safety Committee meeting to discuss the project.