Raising Awareness for Mental Health: A Community Call to Action
NAPLES, Fla. — In a poignant reminder of the pressing mental health crisis facing many communities, David Lawrence Centers recently hosted an event aboard the Naples Princess, rallying support and awareness for those in need. Kimberly Dye, the vice president of advancement for the center, emphasized the staggering reality confronting Collier County: “We’re in the worst mental health crisis our county has ever seen. One in four people here report suffering from some form of mental issue,” she stated, drawing parallels to the size of the county, which mirrors that of Rhode Island.
Dye’s message was underscored by a stark national statistic: every day, 136 people die by suicide in the United States—a figure equal to the full capacity of the Naples Princess. “Imagine if every single day this boat crashed and killed every person on it,” she implored, a powerful metaphor that emphasizes the gravity of the situation.
The issue resonates personally with Dye, who cited that the second leading cause of death among children her daughter’s age is suicide—outpacing even cancer. “My daughter has a better chance of dying by suicide than she does of cancer, and I’m a two-time cancer survivor,” she reflected, illustrating the breadth of the crisis touching families everywhere.
Despite the challenges, Dye conveyed hope, noting the community’s growing willingness to discuss mental health openly. “We’ve made significant progress in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health,” she remarked. The conversation surrounding mental health is crucial, with Jack Hellmer, chair of the David Lawrence Center advocates, asserting, “It’s about engaging in dialogue. Sharing these conversations helps others open up and further diminishes stigma.”
Encouragement extends beyond fundraising; advocacy plays a fundamental role. Hellmer urged community members to join the cause, emphasizing that involvement is free and helps cultivate a supportive environment around mental health. "We just want to build a community of people supportive around the topic of mental health," he noted, inviting others to reach out to the center.
The Biblical principles of compassion and support resonate deeply in this context. In Galatians 6:2, we are reminded to "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." This call to mutual aid encourages us to recognize the struggles of those around us and offer our support.
As we reflect on these themes, the takeaway is clear: mental health advocacy is a collective responsibility. By initiating conversations and reaching out to those in need, we not only fulfill a pivotal community role but also align ourselves with a spirit of love and support inspired by our faith.
Opportunities for involvement await; consider reaching out to David Lawrence Centers at 239-455-8500 to learn more about becoming an advocate. Together, we can foster a more compassionate community that uplifts those who need it most.
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