addiction

Mental Health Awareness Month: It’s Always Okay to Ask For Help

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holding hands to console

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and well-being in our lives. Established in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize mental and physical health. This month is an opportunity to:

  • Increase awareness: Mental health is an integral part of overall health, and open conversations about mental well-being are essential. Mental Health Awareness Month aims to destigmatize mental health concerns and encourage open communication.

  • Provide resources: SAMHSA, along with countless other organizations, offers a vast network of resources for individuals and communities seeking mental health support.

  • Celebrate recovery: Recovery from mental illness is a real and achievable goal. Mental Health Awareness Month celebrates the resilience and strength of those living with mental health challenges.

You Are Not Alone

Mental Health focuses on the importance of seeking help and the message that it’s okay to not be okay. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, alcoholism, bullying, or any other mental health concern, we want you to know there is a vast network of support available.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Help is readily available: Numerous resources are available, from hotlines and online support groups to mental health professionals and community programs.

  • Seeking help is a sign of strength: Asking for help is not a weakness; it’s a demonstration of courage and a commitment to your well-being.

  • Recovery is possible: With the right support system and resources, recovery from mental illness is a real possibility.

Taking Action on Mental Health 

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you to:

  • Educate yourself: Learn about mental health conditions, available resources, and ways to promote mental well-being.

  • Talk openly: Have conversations with friends, family, and colleagues about mental health. Open communication can foster understanding and support.

  • Seek help if needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you are struggling. A mental health professional can provide invaluable support and guidance.

  • Support others: Encourage those you know who may be struggling to seek help. Let them know they are not alone.

By working together, we can create a society where mental health is valued and prioritized. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay, and help is always available.

For Immediate Support:

Let’s make mental health a priority every month, not just in May.

Suicide Prevention Resources from Uncas Health District

National Fentanyl Awareness Day — Education Can Save Lives

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Fentanyl awareness day

May 7th marks the third annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day — established by families who tragically lost loved ones to fentanyl overdoses. It serves as a crucial reminder of the dangers of this powerful synthetic opioid and its devastating impact on communities across the United States.

Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It’s increasingly being laced into other drugs without the user’s knowledge, making overdoses a terrifying possibility.

National Fentanyl Awareness Day is about education. By raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, we can empower ourselves and others to make informed decisions and take steps to stay safe. Here are some ways you can participate:

  • Share information: Spread the word about fentanyl on social media using hashtags like #NationalFentanylAwarenessDay.
  • Educate yourself: Learn about the signs and symptoms of a fentanyl overdose.
  • Support resources: Advocate for increased access to harm reduction resources like naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.

By raising awareness and promoting education, we can help save lives. Visit the National Fentanyl Awareness Day website (https://www.fentanylawarenessday.org/) to learn more and get involved.

Where to Find Free Narcan Distribution Boxes in Uncas Health District

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naloxone cartridge in woman's hand

In the fight against opioid overdoses, access to naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is critical. Naxolone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, potentially saving lives in crucial moments of crisis. However, access to naloxone has been an issue, hindering its potential to prevent tragic outcomes. Locally, an initiative led by NLC Cares is making significant strides in addressing this gap.

NLC Cares, through grant funding, has installed more than a dozen free naloxone distribution boxes throughout New London County. These boxes are located in central areas, ensuring that naloxone is readily available when needed. Among these locations are four within the Uncas Health District, making this life-saving medication easily accessible to the community:

  1. Montville Old Town Hall, 310 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville
  2. Taftville VFD, 134 Providence St, Taftville
  3. Matt’s Mission, 70 Main St, Jewett City
  4. Greeneville Fire Station, 446 North Main St, Norwich

The placement of these distribution boxes represents a tangible effort to empower individuals and communities to respond effectively to opioid-related emergencies. Each box contains naloxone kits along with instructions for use, ensuring that even those without prior training can administer the medication confidently.

One crucial aspect of NLC Cares’ initiative is the emphasis on education and training. While naloxone can reverse an overdose, knowing how to use it correctly is paramount. Recognizing this, the Uncas Health District offers training sessions to equip community members with the necessary skills to administer naloxone safely. These training sessions not only demystify the process but also instill confidence in individuals to intervene effectively during emergencies. Contact Uncas Health District.

The simplicity of naloxone administration underscores its potential to save lives. With proper training, anyone can learn to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and administer naloxone promptly. This empowers communities to take proactive measures in combating the opioid crisis.

Moreover, initiatives like NLC Cares serve as a testament to the power of grassroots efforts in addressing public health challenges. By collaborating with local organizations and leveraging community resources, tangible solutions can be implemented to tackle complex issues.

Access to naloxone is not just a matter of convenience; it can be a matter of life and death. Organizations like NLC Cares are paving the way for greater accessibility to this vital medication, ensuring that no life is lost to opioid overdose due to lack of access. Coupled with education and training, naloxone distribution programs are instrumental in saving lives and building resilient communities in the face of the opioid epidemic.

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