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BROTHER, YOU'RE ON MY MIND

La Prensa - 7/4/2017

June is Men's Health Month and the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (MHRSB) of Lucas County is collaborating with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. on their BROTHER.'YOU'RE ON MY MIND campaign to raise awareness of mental health and addiction issues among men and their families.

The strategies being used by Omega men are: "Pledge, Leant, Educate, and Partner. " While all of us have had trouble coping at times have you ever witnessed the unique struggles of Latino men when admitting something is wrong or maybe you've watched them try to tough it out on their own? Omega members care and want you to know that "mental illness, including depression, is a public health issue". One in 5 people is affected by mental illness each year.

DID YOU KNOW?

* Depression and other mental health disorders can be deadly if left untreated.

* Latino men are as likely as anyone else to have mental illness, but they are less likely to get help.

* A Surgeon General's report found that only 20% of Latinos with symptoms of a psychological disorder talk to a doctor about their concerns.

* Only 10% of Latinos contact a mental health specialist.

* Untreated, mental illness can make Latino men more vulnerable to substance abuse, homelessness, incarceration, and homicide.

* 15,481 men received services through our network of provider agencies in 2016, yet only 6.2% or approximately 402 identified themselves as Latino/Hispanic.

We believe the need for treatment among Latino men in Lucas County is much greater. Many aren't seeking treatment because they either don't recognize the signs of mental illness, don't know where to get help or fear being labeled as "locos" because of the shame it causes in the community.

Language and cultural barriers make communicating with a doctor or therapist very difficult and the MHRSB wants you to know that if you do not speak English, or don't speak it well, you have the right to request an interpreter and to receive forms and information in your primary language, from any our network provider agencies.

Help us change the conversation in Lucas County about Latino men by pledging, learning, educating, and partnering with others to help those struggling with addiction or mental health issues. SHOW YOUR MEN THAT WE CARE.

Call the Recovery Helpline at 419-2553125 if you think you think you or a loved one might be experiencing a mental health condition.

Leant more by hosting a Mental Health discussion or obtain Mental Health First Aid training for members of your group please call the MHRSB at 419-213- 4600.

All of us can help - because anyone anywhere can be the difference for someone facing a mental health or substance abuse challenge.