A Step In Mind
Prince George’s County Takes A Big Step Forward in Bringing Awareness To Mental Health
By Nelia Dashiell
Step Forward is a new public awareness campaign that was released on May 14 by Prince George's County in collaboration with County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, the Health Department, and various nonprofit organizations.
Statistics show that one in five adults have a mental health condition. But did you also know that youth mental health is declining? The rate of severe depression for youth grows every single year.
The Mental Health America website provides readers 10 tools to help one achieve mental wellness. Some of these tools are to connect with others, to get physically active, but lastly and most importantly is to get professional help if you need it.
In recognition of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Baker wanted Step Forward to increase the understanding of mental illness, help residents become aware of their accessibility options to treatment services, and to remind residents that mental health is just as important as physical health.
“This campaign is about ensuring that our residents, including our young people, understand that they are not alone and that there are resources out there to assist them,” Baker said.
There are various new advertisements posted in Prince George’s County to promote this Step Forward campaign. On these new ads, residents will find a map that will show the location of various mental health treatment providers in the area as well as a list of their services.
Crisis Text Line is also in partnership with the Step Forward campaign and its advertisements. Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 service that allows young adults that are more comfortable with texting someone rather than talking in person the ability to text a number and get connected with a professional counselor.
To find a local mental health provider near you, please visit the Prince George’s County Health Zone website.
