Moira's Message: Seeking Help Is a Sign of Strength
CINCINNATI (May 23, 2023) —
Dear United Way friends,
Every day, families in our community wrestle with difficult, heart-wrenching questions:
- Will we have enough food today?
- Will we be able to find affordable housing?
- Do we have access to quality child care?
- Will I lose my job if I stay home with a sick child?
When families face such insecurity and uncertainty, it can increase the risk of mental health problems, which can lead to child abuse and neglect, elder abuse or lack of self-care. And that, in turn, can have a detrimental effect on children’s mental health.
This is Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder that we must remove the stigma associated with seeking help. It also is a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues by focusing on prevention.
The United Way 211 Helpline connects people to a variety of mental health resources, including support groups, counseling and therapy, treatment, and education and prevention programs. Recent improvements to our 211 phone system and 211 online search (211uwgc.org) made these services more user-friendly.
In addition, United Way is working to build resiliency in the community and promote preventive services, so fewer people need help in the future. This work is happening through our six system-change investment portfolios, including one titled Improved Prevention, Strong Communities, which addresses mental health.
Within that portfolio, we are funding 14 system-change partners. Their focus is on preventive solutions that promote healing and resiliency – not only for individuals and families – but also for the nonprofit organizations that serve them.
It is a coordinated approach that supports families and builds stronger, more resilient communities.
Sincerely,
Moira Weir
President/CEO
United Way of Greater Cincinnati
UPDATE (May 26, 2023):
P.S. — Please take a moment to read my recent contribution to Cincinnati.com, in which I explain how five Ohio 211 programs need state funding in order to meet the demand for this critical public service.