BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Kern County Board of Supervisors made several proclamations for the month of May during its regular meeting Tuesday morning.

Mental Health Awareness Month

This year is the 65th anniversary of the Kern County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department, according to Heather Hornibrook, a deputy director of Kern BHRS.

The events throughout the month of May include the following:

May 1: Special lighting of the County Administrative Office building in green

May 2: 4th annual Family Day at CALM – Families can attend for free and learn more about mental health and substance use services in Kern County

May 8: 2026 Inspiration Awards – To recognize and honor individuals, organizations and community leaders with “outstanding contributions” in reducing stigma and promoting mental health

May 27: Apple Core Project – Partnering with other community agencies to provide food distribution and education about mental health resources

Older Americans Month

Kern County Aging and Adult Services is set to host its annual resource fair for Older Americans Month Saturday, May 2, according to Director of Kern County Aging and Adult Services Jeremy Oliver.

The event is set to run from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Aging and Adult Services building at 5357 Truxtun Ave.

Attendees can look forward to community resource booths, an educational presentation, chair yoga, mobile health clinic and free document shredding to protect from fraud.

The event will also include games, giveaways and even an Elvis impersonator, according to Oliver.

For the document shredding, attendees can bring documents with personal information to safely shred on site. This is for residential shredding only with no electronics, binders or plastic, and there is no limit of boxes per person.

For more information, call 661-868-1000.

Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Island Month

Kern County is honoring two historic milestones, according to District 3 Supervisor Jeff Flores: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843 and the arrival of Chinese laborers for the transcontinental railroad in 1869.

The first Asians on the continent were the Filipino individuals who landed in Morro Bay in California in 1587, Flores said.

Vivian Cao, founder and president of the Kern Asian Chamber of Commerce, said there are over 722,000 Asian-owned businesses in California.

Cao announced several events in honor of the AANHPI Month, such as the mixer at Woolworth’s, forums, grand openings of businesses, cultural events like dumpling making and more.

To learn more about the full list of events organized by KCACC, click here.

Latina Maternal Health Awareness Month

Latinas account for nearly 50% of births in California and nearly 70% of births in Kern County, according to District 5 Supervisor Leticia Perez.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Office, Latina mothers were 80% more likely to receive late or no prenatal care as opposed to non-Latina mothers.

Perez said she suffered three miscarriages, and after telling her story to the world, she was amazed to learn she knew so many women who shared similar experiences.

Foster Care Awareness Month

Kern County currently has about 2,000 children in foster care, according to District 2 Supervisor Chris Parlier.

Maria Bermudez, the assistant director of Child Protective Services, said the national theme for this year is “every child deserves a champion.”

“As we recognize Foster Care Awareness Month, I want us to reaffirm our commitment to the children of Kern County that no matter their circumstance, we are their champion who will stand together with them, guide them and remind them of their extraordinary worth,” Bermudez said.

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