Education: Because an Informed Community Can Help Prevent Avoidable Deaths
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance that began in 1949 by Mental Health America. During this month, individuals and organizations across the country come together to raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being and address the challenges faced by people living with mental health conditions.
At NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Mental Health Awareness Month is actively observed. They focus on eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering public education, and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness. This year, NAMI celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month with the “Take the Moment” campaign. The campaign encourages open dialogues, empathy, understanding, and normalizing the practice of prioritizing mental health care without guilt or shame. NAMI highlights their signature programs, including NAMI Basics, NAMI Family-to-Family, NAMI Family & Friends, NAMI Homefront, NAMI In Our Own Voice, NAMI Peer-to-Peer, NAMI Support Groups, and their invaluable NAMI HelpLine.
Suicide awareness is critically important to remember. If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of ending their life, please call 988 or 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Every life tells a story and your story is important to us and your friends & family! Reach out and let someone know if you are struggling - your life is precious!
So, let’s break the stigma together and take a moment to prioritize mental health! #TakeAMentalHealthMoment #MentalHealthMonth
Every April across the U.S., individuals and organizations with a passion for sexual violence prevention take part in Sexual Assault Awareness Month, or SAAM. The goal of SAAM is to raise awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it.
While one month isn’t enough to solve the serious issue of sexual violence, SAAM is an opportunity to open up conversation about consent and prevention efforts throughout the year. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual violence contact the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault at (217) 753-4117 or you contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-HOPE (a 24-hour confidential hotline). You are not alone!
During the month of April, help the @National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) increase awareness and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder by sharing information and resources based on the latest research. https://go.nih.gov/VO1CCKg . #shareNIMH #AutismAcceptanceMonth
March is Disability Awareness Month!
Raising awareness about both invisible and visible disabilities is crucial for community health. Disability awareness fosters a supportive, inclusive, healthier community.
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Understanding Disability:
- Invisible disabilities (such as chronic pain, mental illness, autoimmune conditions, etc.) are not immediately apparent to others. They can significantly impact a person’s daily life, even though there may be no visible signs.
- Visible disabilities (like using a wheelchair, white cane, or service animal) are more easily detected due to physical characteristics.
- Awareness helps break down stereotypes and misconceptions associated with both types of disabilities.
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Promoting Inclusion and Accessibility:
- Disability inclusion ensures that people with disabilities have equal opportunities in education, work, healthcare, and community engagement.
- Accessible environments and policies are essential for full integration of people with disabilities.
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Barriers Faced by People with Disabilities:
- Attitudinal barriers: These include stereotypes, stigma, prejudice, and discrimination. Awareness helps combat these negative attitudes.
- Communication barriers: Lack of accessible information (e.g., captions, easy-to-read materials) can hinder understanding and support.
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Health Equity and Prevention:
- Disability inclusion ensures that people with disabilities benefit from health promotion and prevention activities.
- By addressing barriers, we improve access to healthcare, preventive services, and overall well-being.
- Preventing deaths: When people with disabilities receive proper care and accommodations, their health outcomes improve, reducing mortality risks.
Let’s continue advocating for understanding, empathy, and equal opportunities for all!
Information provided by:
Centers for Disease Control: Disability Inclusion as a Cornerstone for Health Equity | Health Equity Features | CDC
Council for Disability Awareness: Home - Council for Disability Awareness: Prevention, Financial Planning, Resources and Information (disabilitycanhappen.org)
National Disability Institute: Transforming Lives for People with Disabilities | National Disability Institute
February is American Heart Month!
The American Heart Association has wonderful information to keep you heart healthy! High blood pressure, strokes, and cholesterol levels are all part of heart health. This February, I wanted to remind you of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. In 2021, heart disease claimed more lives than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined (American Heart Center, 2024).
Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack could save your life! In 2020, The American Heart Association published the differences in the early warning signs of a heart attack for men and women. 
Your heart matters! If you or someone you are with experience the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, go to your nearest emergency room or call 911 right away!
Don't delay in caring for your heart.
CPR
CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation can help save a life during cardiac arrest, when the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs. However, even after training, remembering the CPR steps and administering them correctly can be a challenge. Be sure to find a course near you as CPR can be performed by almost anyone - and can save a life! If you navigate to www.RedCross.org you can find a CPR course near you!
American Heart Association, 2024. 2024-Statistics-At-A-Glance-final_2024.pdf (heart.org)
American Heart Association, 2019. Heart Attack | American Heart Association
