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Bethlehem, PA October 8–“It’s OK Not to Be OK” is the message Northampton County Mental Health will launch on World Mental Health Day, October 10th. “We want to let people know that in this time of pandemic and upheaval, it’s OK to admit feelings of anxiety and depression and to get help for them,” says Tiffany Crush, Mental Health Administrator for Northampton County. “Our goal is to let Northampton County residents know that we have many services available, both for individuals and families experiencing a mental health crisis and before a crisis happens.”
The CDC recently released a study finding a significant increase in mental health needs compared to the prior year with 40% of US adults reporting at least one adverse mental health condition related to the pandemic. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, fewer than half of US adults receive treatment for their mental illness.
The campaign, funded by the Cares Act, will include television and radio spots along with billboard and print advertising. “It’s unfortunate that there is still a stigma around mental illness,” comments Brian Watson, Northampton County Mental Health Deputy Administrator. ”We hope that spreading the word that there is strength in seeking help will encourage people to realize that mental illness is a disease like any other, not a weakness or character flaw.”
Originated by the World Health Organization, the annual World Health Day has the objective of raising awareness about mental health issues and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. It also provides an opportunity for stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work and what needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
Northampton County Mental Health offers a variety of services: crisis intervention including telephone counseling, mobile crisis, and residential crisis services; case management, outreach and family supports. Northampton County Information, Referral and Emergency Services Department is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Crisis Department can be reached at 610-252-9060.
Information provided to TVL by:
Margaret C. Murphy
Executive Director, NAMI Lehigh Valley
802 West Broad Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
www.nami-lv.org
