New “Healthy Minds, Healthy Communities” Initiative to Promote Mental Health in Vulnerable Communities

Economic hardship, the sacrifice of missing treasured events, social distancing from people we love, working and attending school from home, navigating conflicting guidance and mistruths — the COVID-19 pandemic has hit all of us hard. And the deep and long-lasting impact of these hardships is becoming much more evident — according to the CDC, the pandemic has been associated with an increase in mental health conditions, including higher rates of substance use and thoughts of suicide. Four in ten Americans report a mental health disorder associated with COVID. Making matters worse, young people, African-American and Hispanic communities, women, and low-income families are particularly impacted.

Even though we talk about mental health, many still don’t seek the care they need. Now, as the mental health crisis stemming from COVID-19 comes into sharp focus, we have a unique chance to step in and intervene with those who are suffering from anxiety, depression and even thoughts of suicide and offer the help they many not know how to ask for. In October, Commissioners Court approved a new initiative to help communities who don’t typically seek mental health care to know what their options are and to feel comfortable asking for the help they need. Led by the Harris Center, the Healthy Minds, Healthy Communities initiative will engage and collaborate with local leaders in ten targeted areas selected based predominantly on incidence of suicide but also on median income and how underserved the community is for mental health resources. Together, the Harris Center and those communities will determine which specific evidence-based interventions will be most effective and beneficial given their community’s specific circumstances. The initiative will also provide skill development, training, and outreach on how to recognize warning signs, carry out interventions, and make connections with mental health professionals.

Those that are suffering from mental health issues should know they are not alone. If you or someone you know is not well, help is available. To reach the Harris Center 24-hour Crisis Line, which is open 7 days a week, call 713-970-7000 and press 1. Our community must lift the stigma surrounding mental health and treat mental illness as we would diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. It’s just as serious, and just as treatable.