Be part of the solution in mental health, substance use recovery

To the Editor:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month–a time not only to talk about mental health but also celebrate recovery and ways to take practical steps to support well-being for individuals in recovery, their families, and for our entire community.

Nationwide, the latest federal behavioral survey estimates that more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults experienced mental illness in the past year, and about 1 in 6 people ages 12 and older met the criteria for a substance use disorder. That’s tens of millions of people and because each person is part of a family, workplace, school, or circle of friends, the impact reaches well beyond the individuals counted.

Behind every statistic is also a story of claiming and celebrating recovery and wellness that comes through supportive networks of parents, partners, children, coworkers, friends and recovery sensitive healthcare providers, schools, workplaces, and faith communities. So, while these numbers describe individuals, the impact reaches far beyond any one person and touches families and households of every kind and in every community.

At the FIRST Center, our FIRST CARES (Community Access to Recovery and Employment Support Services) initiative — funded in part by the Appalachian Regional Commission — supports recovery while strengthening our workforce. Recovery is not only possible; it is more likely when people can access coordinated support, opportunity, and a community that welcomes them.

FIRST CARES works to connect individuals in recovery with meaningful employment and to help employers become recovery-friendly workplaces. This includes addressing real barriers to accessible and affordable treatment, accessing supportive services, along with the stigma that can keep people from seeking help or being given a fair chance at a job. Being involved with FIRST CARES also means celebrating work that supports recovery and the ways recovery makes for healthier people, stronger families and prosperous communities.

FIRST CARES is a collaborative project in our region (Bedford, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, and Mifflin counties) where community involvement is essential in strengthening the recovery community of people and families affected by mental health and substance use issues.

This month, I’m asking readers to be part of the solution. Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Complete and share the FIRST CARES Regional Recovery and Employment Survey: https://redcap.link/firstcares. We’re looking for 2,400 voices (“each one reach two”). So, take five minutes to complete it, text the QR code to two friends, share it on social media, or bring it to a community group, church group, or workplace meeting.

• Encourage your employer to become a recovery-friendly workplace: start a conversation with HR, ask about Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports, suggest flexible scheduling for appointments, and promote fair-chance hiring and supportive return-to-work practices.

• Support individuals and families impacted by mental health and substance use challenges: listen with care, check in regularly, offer a ride or a meal, help with childcare, and share local resources when someone asks for help.

• Challenge stigma and model respectful language: use person-first language (for example, “a person in recovery”), focus on strengths, and gently correct myths by sharing accurate information.

• Celebrate your recovery story as an individual and family and, if ready, share it with others. Share a message of hope with a trusted friend, speak at a support group or community event, or write a short note that highlights what helped you take the next step.

Recovery touches all of us — and so does the opportunity to help. When we invest in mental health and advocate for greater recovery supports, we strengthen people and families in recovery. In turn and together, we build a healthier, more resilient, and prosperous regional economy.

Sincerely,

Karen C. Rush

FIRST Center / FIRST CARES