May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month at Bend Surgery Center
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and eliminating stigma around mental health issues. At Bend Surgery Center (BSC), we recognize that mental health is an essential component of overall health. This month, we are proud to partner with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to foster acceptance and challenge stereotypes related to mental health conditions.
Our Commitment to Mental Health
At BSC, our commitment goes beyond just awareness; it's about creating a supportive environment where every member of our staff feels seen, heard, and supported. Throughout the month, we are taking several steps to engage our team and promote mental health resources:
- Informative Posters and Emails: We’ve placed educational posters throughout our facility and circulated emails that highlight important statistics and information about mental health, reminding our staff that help is just around the corner.
- Employee Assistance Program: It’s vital that our employees know they’re not alone. Our posters and resources prominently feature details about our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential support for those who may be struggling or know someone who is.
- Promotional Items: To keep the conversation about mental health alive, we are distributing pins, pens, and chapsticks among other items. These small gifts are not just useful; they're also a daily reminder of our support network and commitment to mental health.
Partnering with NAMI
Our partnership with NAMI has empowered us to take meaningful action in advocating for mental health. By aligning ourselves with NAMI’s mission, we contribute to a larger movement that seeks to improve the lives of those affected by mental health conditions through better policy, public attitudes, and support services.
Why This Matters
The statistics are sobering; one in five Americans is affected by mental illness each year. Yet, more than half do not receive the necessary treatment. At BSC, we aim to challenge these statistics by providing a supportive environment and making mental health resources accessible to all our employees.
Get Involved
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to get involved:
- Learn and Share: Educate yourself about mental health issues and share what you learn. Awareness is the first step toward change.
- See the Person, Not the Condition: Challenge misconceptions and learn to listen without judgment.
- Advocate: Join us in our advocacy efforts or participate in community events to push for better mental health policies and practices.
At Bend Surgery Center, we believe in the power of community and the importance of mental health in achieving overall wellness. Join us this May—and every day—as we strive to create a stigma-free environment that recognizes the importance of mental health in everyone’s lives.
Together, we can make a difference.
