SALT
LAKE CITY, May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 1949,
the month of May has been designated Mental Health Awareness Month
in the United States, aiming to
raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses.
However, despite 75 years of awareness efforts, openly discussing
mental health remains challenging in our country.
On May 15th,
mental health leaders will gather in our nation's capital to host a
groundbreaking briefing.
On Wednesday, May 15th, national
mental health organizations, leaders, and advocates will gather in
our nation's capital to host a groundbreaking briefing featuring
speakers and panelists. These conversations seek to increase
awareness through personal stories and firsthand experiences while
shedding light on critical issues in mental health across our
nation.
One individual leading this charge is Christena Huntsman Durham, Vice President of the
Huntsman Family Foundation and host for The State of Mental Health
in America Briefing on Capitol Hill.
"Our family is committed to eradicating stigma around mental
health in our communities and country. We all must work together
and remember that mental health is health. We have to normalize
talking about mental wellness and letting individuals know that you
are not the only one. There is hope and healing and our family
mission is to use our voices and resources to spread this message
of hope" said Christena.
According to data from the CDC, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults
live with a mental illness today, presenting numerous challenges
that can be difficult to understand, further complicating accurate
and compassionate care. As noted in the American Psychiatric
Association's 2023 impact study, unmet mental health care needs
continue to grow at an alarming rate.
"While our nation is rich with resources to address mental
health, we must do more since we are in a mental health crisis,"
said Tonja Myles, Community
Engagement Advisor for the Huntsman Family Foundation. "One way to
do this is to bring together all continuums of treatment, to
address how we can make compassionate and high-quality treatment
available to all individuals who need it. Those who do this work
every day know firsthand what the needs are and are able to give
insight on how to accomplish this."
According to a recent 2023 poll conducted by the American
Psychiatric Association, even small acts of kindness can have a
profound effect on our well-being. The poll revealed that 89% of
respondents felt better after performing an act of kindness, while
90% experienced similar feelings after receiving one. These results
illustrate how each of us has the ability to shape positive mental
health outcomes through simple acts of kindness.
Additional attendees participating in the briefing include
Laura Evans, AVP of Public Policy
and Government Affairs at Vibrant Emotional Health; Eric Decker, Former NFL Professional Football
Player and Philanthropist; David
Covington, CEO & President of Recovery Innovations,
Inc.; Janice Guitreau, Mental Health
Advocate; Karen Stubbs Church,
Assistant Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)
Office of Behavioral Health (OBH); Larissa
May, Founder of Half the Story; Rawle Andrews, Executive Director of the
American Psychiatric Association Foundation; and Ryan Cain, Fund Recovery Executive
Director."
If you or someone you know is experiencing an emotional, mental,
or substance use crisis, call, chat, or text 988.
About the State of Mental Health in America Briefing
The State of Mental Health in America Briefing will take place
on Wednesday, May 15th from
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (EST) at the U.S.
Capitol Visitor Center Senate Side Room 203, First St. SE,
Washington, DC 20515. This
gathering of experts, moderated by Tonja
Myles, Huntsman Family Foundation Community Engagement
Advisor, and Laura Evans, AVP of
Public Policy & Government Affairs at Vibrant Emotional Health,
will focus on critical issues facing mental health in our
nation.
About The Huntsman Family Foundation
The Huntsman Family Foundation is committed to providing
comprehensive cancer treatment, mental health, and substance use
disorders treatment. The family's work across cancer and mental
health has included significant financial contributions, research
support, and the establishment of programs aimed at advancing the
understanding and treatment of cancer and mental health conditions.
The Huntsman Family initiatives include The Huntsman Mental Health
Foundation, The University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute, and The Huntsman Mental Health
Institute.
For more information, visit
https://huntsmanfamilyfoundation.org.
Media Contact:
Tonja Myles
Community Engagement Advisor,
Huntsman Family Foundation
tonja@setfreeindeedministry.com
Phone: 225-288-1044
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marking-75-years-of-mental-health-advocacy-leaders-meet-on-capitol-hill-to-amplify-voices-and-foster-compassion-302143924.html
SOURCE Huntsman Family Foundation