Messages aimed at addressing the stigma of mental health have begun showing up in Hall County, part of a United Way initiative to rally community support behind its efforts with “Reach Out Day” Oct. 16.
“Through our work on the Community Game Plan, the culmination of years of research into our community’s greatest needs, we identified one of our community’s biggest needs centers around mental health and well-being,” explained Jessica Dudley, president and chief professional officer of United Way of Hall County. “The stark reality is that while 1 in 5 people face mental health issues, less than 50% of those seek help. Our goal is to bring awareness to the prevalence of mental health issues and help us all understand everyone has a role to play in helping our community be healthier.”
Results of Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment further underscore the need to make mental and behavioral health one of the region’s top health priorities, a notion that other health providers tend to agree with.
“We partnered on a region-wide community health needs assessment with Habersham Medical Center, Stephens County Hospital, and District 2 Public Health,” said Christy Moore, manager of community health improvement for Northeast Georgia Health System. “After reviewing data on everything from suicide rates to opioid overdose deaths, as well as hearing what community members had to say in focus groups and interviews, we all agreed we must make improvements in the system of care which includes what is happening outside the walls of the hospital. This is why we are partnering locally with collaboratives like One Hall and Partnership for a Drug Free Hall.”
Of particular concern is the fact that many of our young people are self-reporting that they have attempted suicide, in some cases more than once.
“Together, we have to find ways to work further upstream to help children and their families who are dealing with mental and behavioral health issues,” said Moore. “These kinds of issues do not know gender or socioeconomic status. It can affect any of us. Some have greater needs, and some have less at any given point in time, but we all have to take care of ourselves mentally, just as we do physically.”
The “Reach Out” initiative, led by United Way of Hall County’s One Hall Mental and Behavioral Health Committee aims to start discussions about mental well-being and mental health issues and connect community members to information and resources on what to do and where to go if they are suffering.
To demonstrate the community is united around the importance of mental health, the committee is encouraging local businesses, schools, churches and individuals to participate in “Reach Out Day,” – one day where everyone focuses on mental health and wellness.
“We are encouraging people to take a mental health break – go for a walk at lunch, take a yoga class, practice deep breathing – or maybe share our message through social networks or provide education about mental wellness to their employees,” said Reese Daniel, One Hall Mental and Behavior Health Committee co-chair. “Reach Out Day is an easy and fun way to show support and help everyone across Hall County understand they are not alone when we stand together.”
The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce is leading the charge to the community by stepping forward to participate in “Reach Out Day.” The Chamber’s annual HealthSmart Expo will be held on “Reach Out Day” and features keynote speaker Eric Langshur, New York Times best-selling author, successful business entrepreneur and CEO, who will reveal why it’s important to take care of our mental health and well-being in the same manner we care for our physical health.
In addition, the HealthSmart will offer two free seminars on employee wellness. Donna Anderson, director of employee wellbeing at Northeast Georgia Health System will provide information for employers on connecting wellbeing to employee retention, engagement and business success, and Cindy Levi, CEO of Avita Community Partners will present a continuum of behavioral health services available through Avita across a person’s lifespan.
“We envision a future in Hall County where access to mental health services are increased and mental health needs are recognized and treated” said Monica Newton, DO, family medicine residency program director at Northeast Georgia Health System and One Hall Mental and Behavioral Health Committee co-chair. “Our mental health affects all we do – from our productivity and absences at work to performance in school to relationships with others in our community.”
As part of the campaign, United Way recently launched a new web page at www.unitedwayhallcounty.org/reach-out with information and resources on mental health care targeted to various age groups. Community leaders are also participating in testimonials and blogs that will also be available on the website later this fall, and individuals can fill out an anonymous survey to help assess the current understanding in our community of mental health.
“Our mission is to connect people, organizations and resources to improve lives in Hall County and so advocacy has been a cornerstone of United Way’s impact for years,” stated United Way Board Chair Katie Dubnik. “Much like our successful Read Learn Succeed campaign about the importance of early reading, we hope starting open dialog in the community about the importance of mental health will have a ripple effect on our community for years to come.”
United Way understands the cyclical nature of mental health issues. The loss of a job, declining physical health, gaps in income, and other aspects can prevent a person from leading a healthy, thriving life. Mental health challenges are often the cause of these issues.
In fact, according to the World Health Organization, mental health and poverty are intertwined. Over the past two decades, studies have shown that there are a number of interconnected factors associated with each. Early intervention and education about available resources can help raise awareness and alleviate this painful cycle for the most vulnerable.
“Anyone can be affected by mental health issues, but unfortunately, poverty increases the risk of mental illness, and mental illness can increase the likelihood of poverty,” explained Dudley. “Everyone has a role to play in making our community healthier. We want people to know that whatever they may face, they are not alone.”
Businesses, schools, organizations or individuals interested in participating in “Reach Out Day” can learn more and sign up to participate at www.unitedwayhallcounty.org/reach-out. Stickers, posters and yard signs are available for those wishing to participate.
