EDITORIAL: City's first lady takes on a crisis
The World Health Organization last year declared loneliness a “global public health concern.” The organization appointed U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy to lead an international commission to tackle the The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness a global public health concern, with U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy leading an international commission to address the issue. The WHO cited research showing that loneliness and isolation can put Americans at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death. This comes as Colorado Springs faces a shortage of mental health options, leading to higher crime rates and addictions. First lady Abbey Mobolade initiated the Colorado Springs Mental Health Initiative after she and her husband, Mayor Yemi Mobodade, adopted a child from Ethiopia. The initiative aims to include nonprofits, hospitals, schools, and other community sectors.
게시됨 : 4주 전 ~에 의해 The Gazette editorial board ~에
The World Health Organization last year declared loneliness a “global public health concern.” The organization appointed U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy to lead an international commission to tackle the problem.
The WHO cited research showing the risks of loneliness equal the risks of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Murthy last year released an advisory that loneliness and isolation put Americans at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death.
Loneliness has spread like a virus since the COVID pandemic isolated people and led to a work-from-home trend. People who used to frequent movie theaters have massive, high-definition flat screens that keep them home. Meetings that historically united people around conference tables are held on electronic platforms that reduce in-person interaction.
Loneliness is only one of the mental health dilemmas facing Colorado Springs and the rest of our country, at a time when Colorado has a shortage of mental health care options. As larger numbers of people live with mental health ailments — ranging from mild depression to schizophrenia — we see higher crime rates and more addictions of all types.
As such, the community should give thanks and support for Colorado Springs first lady Abbey Mobolade’s plan to tackle the mental health crisis.
Mobolade initiated the Colorado Springs Mental Health Initiative after she and her husband, Mayor Yemi Mobolade, adopted a child from Ethiopia before he ran for mayor. They tried to obtain mental health care for the child, who suffered trauma from his former life as an orphan.
The couple discovered what so many others attest to: obtaining good mental health care is an ordeal that often does not end well.
Colorado Springs is a health care hub for anyone suffering sports injuries, strokes, heart attacks and other common physical health challenges. Those seeking mental health, by contrast, encounter obstacles so disconcerting they often give up and hunker down in despair, depression and loneliness.
Those trying to find mental health, for themselves or others, run into countless obstacles involving costs too high to afford. People needing immediate, potentially life-saving mental health care, often sit on waiting lists.
The lack of care can manifest in crimes of desperation, lost productivity and worst of all — suicide. Last year, WalletHub research ranked Colorado Springs as having the fifth-highest suicide rate of major American cities. Colorado typically ranks among states with the 10 highest suicide rates.
Colorado Springs, often ranked the country’s most desirable city, no longer can tolerate this. Becoming the country’s safest, most attractive and family friendly big city won’t happen unless and until we resolve the community’s dearth of mental health care.
Mrs. Mobolade’s initiative, in coordination with El Paso County Public Health Director Susan Wheelan, aims to include nonprofits, hospitals, schools and other community sectors to figure it out.
The movement will focus on: increasing education and awareness of mental health communitywide; building local, state and federal partnerships with organizations to work toward common goals; and, activating projects, including developing social support systems, so that “every person in our city has an opportunity to be involved in a very real and meaningful way,” Mobolade said, as quoted in a Gazette news story by Debbie Kelley.
Mayor Mobolade on Thursday announced a component of the initiative called “1,000 Neighborhood gatherings. Beginning on May 18, recognized nationally as Mental Health Action Day, it will run through National Good Neighbor Day on Sept 28.
One need not be a mental health professional to help with this move in the right direction. Anyone who knows of a lonely neighbor — or someone in mental crisis for any reason — can take simple action to help. This might involve a friendly visit or assistance with finding professional help. Any show of care and concern might just save a life.
As first lady, Mrs. Mobolade has a unique platform from which to better our community. With her mental health initiative, she is right on target.