Join the Conversation: Health Department Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Week!

Mental Health Awareness Week in Lawrence County

The Lawrence County Health Department in Ironton is shining a light on "Mental Health Awareness" Week. This year, they’re highlighting the "Yellow Tulip Project." This initiative, driven by local youth, aims to combat the stigma around mental illness.

Yellow tulips have been planted in various spots around Ironton as a symbol of hope. The project began with a high school student who lost two friends to suicide while grappling with her own struggles with depression. In memory of her friends and inspired by their love for the color yellow and tulips, she and her mother launched the Yellow Tulip Project to raise awareness.

Raising awareness is vital, especially considering recent studies. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), nearly one in five adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness each year. Stigma often prevents people from seeking help. That’s why projects like this one are so important.

The Lawrence County Health Department emphasizes that there are many resources available for those in need. If you or someone you know needs support, consider reaching out to these local organizations:

• NECCO Family Counseling & Community Services in South Point
• Southern Ohio Behavioral Health in Ironton: (740) 533-0055 (Available 24/7)
• Family Medical Center – Behavioral Health: 1-888-217-2202 (Telehealth options available)
• CAO Family Guidance Center: (740) 532-7855 (after 4:30 p.m., call 855-381-1010)
• Shawnee Family Health Care: (740) 533-0648 (Available 24/7)
• Adams, Lawrence, Scioto ADAMH Board

For immediate help, you can also call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

Engagement in mental health initiatives is crucial for building supportive communities. Let’s continue fostering awareness and promoting dialogue. Together, we can break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage those in need to seek help.

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