Established in 1949 by Mental Health America (MHA), Mental Health Awareness Month is a national movement celebrated in May. Each year, organizations throughout the country observe Mental Health Awareness Month by providing crucial mental health resources and education, celebrating those in recovery, advocating for mental healthcare initiatives, and increasing awareness around the mental health and well-being of those in our communities.
At its core, mental health awareness supports advocacy and encouragement for accessible, reliable mental health services. At organizations like Zepf Center, these services are offered in partnership with physical healthcare, providing holistic treatment options for clients. Community awareness about mental health conditions and support for services helps to reduce stigma and allows those living with mental health conditions to be seen and valued as human beings.
Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging open conversations about mental health and challenging the stigma that surrounds it. Through education and advocacy, the month-long observance also seeks to empower individuals to speak out about their experiences, seek support without fear of judgment, and access the resources they need to thrive.
“Mental health awareness goes beyond a basic understanding,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “We must also acknowledge the importance of mental health in individuals' lives, advocate for accessible treatment options, and engage in community conversations about the importance of mental health acceptance and care.”
Overall, mental health awareness creates a culture where mental health is prioritized and understood, and accessible, stigma-free treatment is supported. This ultimately leads to improved well-being for individuals and society as a whole.
Caring about mental health awareness not only benefits the overall well-being of the communities we call home, but it also improves physical health outcomes, relationships, resilience, and quality of life for those living in the area. Mental health awareness benefits everyone at one point or another. This issue touches the lives of every community member and support for accessible, stigma-free mental healthcare creates a positive impact across the board.
At Zepf Center, clients can access a comprehensive continuum of care. In the mental health realm, services include Adult Mental Health & Therapy, Crisis Care Services for Youth & Adults, Child & Adolescent Mental Health & Therapy, and the Safety Net Youth Runaway Shelter. These services can be offered in partnership with substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, primary care services, workforce development, and more, in order to help clients maintain their recovery.
Because the health, well-being, and safety of our communities are rooted in support for mental health awareness and mental healthcare, Zepf Center is proud to observe Mental Health Awareness Month each May. At the end of the day, no one is immune to mental health challenges and likely knows someone who has been impacted. Because this is such a universal issue, Zepf Center believes in supporting community partners who educate and promote mental health awareness and treatment options.
To kick off the celebrations for May, the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County hosted their annual award ceremony on May 1, honoring Dr. Ock Hong with the prestigious Advocate Hall of Fame Award. Dr. Hong spent her 45-year career working with Zepf Center and served as an unmatched champion for community mental health.
Her legacy extends far beyond her professional achievements as she has been a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to many within the organization. Her dedication and unfailing commitment have left a lasting mark on her colleagues, her patients, and the medical community.
Zepf Center will also be hosting events for staff and clients to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, attending outreach events, and sharing community resources via social media.
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month this year, we reaffirm our commitment to breaking down barriers, amplifying voices, and supporting our communities throughout their mental health journeys. Together, we can build a world where mental health is valued, where care is accessible to all, and where compassion and understanding allow everyone to thrive.
If you or someone you know is in immediate need of mental healthcare, please call our Crisis Care Hotline at 419-904-2273.
To learn more about Zepf Center’s mental health and therapy services, visit https://www.zepfcenter.org/adult-mental-health/.