The Next Crisis — A Mental Health Pandemic
Every year, The Associated system infuses tens of millions of dollars into our community thanks to our annual campaign. Now more than ever, in addition to the important services already provided by The Associated system, we also need to address the mental health crisis with innovation and action.
A growing number of youth and adults are living with a tornado of emotions leading to depression and anxiety. Many are in emotional distress, spiraling to self-harm and suicidal ideation. Countless individuals are turning to substance use as a coping mechanism.
This is just the tip of the iceberg and we must act now. The next several years will be a time of recovery, of learning to live with the virus and of the collateral damage that the pandemic has caused.