Mental health struggles are often overshadowed by stigma, despite the fact that 57.8 million adults in the U.S. live with some form of mental illness, according to the National Institutes of Health. In Montgomery, experts gathered to explore how to better serve individuals dealing with mental health challenges.
The third annual Montgomery Health Policy Meeting brought together hundreds of professionals from various fields to discuss the pressing issue of mental health. Dr. Louis Lambiase, Dean of the UAB School of Medicine in Montgomery, emphasized the importance of seeking care. “If you broke your leg, you’d get it fixed. People with mental health issues sometimes are afraid to get care because they don’t want to talk about it,” Lambiase said.
The event provided an opportunity for professionals on the front lines to share information and explore potential solutions. “We are trying to explore if there are any gaps in the system of care so that we can improve access to mental health care for all our citizens,” Lambiase added.
Kim Boswell, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, highlighted the personal impact of the mental health crisis. “Some of the folks in this room are living with the consequences of the mental health crisis in our state,” Boswell noted, emphasizing the importance of educating the community on recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health issues. “Knowing what to do can save lives,” she said.
Boswell also pointed to the state’s efforts to improve mental health care, including the opening of crisis centers across Alabama. “We have one here in Montgomery at Carastar Health. If people are in a mental health crisis, they can go to the crisis center anytime,” Boswell explained.
For those in need, help is available. You can call 988 to speak with someone and access resources for mental health support.
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