VCHS to celebrate Mental Health Month in May
ORD, Neb. – Valley County Health System (VCHS) Heritage Program for Seniors will be celebrating Mental Health Month in May by spreading the word about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness.
One in five: That’s how many adult Americans live with a diagnosable mental health condition. While mental health and substance conditions are common, they are extremely treatable and individuals go on to recover and lead full and productive lives.
Mental Health Month was created more than 50 years ago to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness for all.
“Many people living with a mental health condition never seek or receive help due to stigma, lack of information, cost, or lack of health insurance coverage,” said Heritage Program Director Riley Smith, LIMHP, LICSW. “Many people may be reluctant to ask for help or don’t know where to find it, therefore, they continue to struggle on their own and become worse over time.”
Mental Health Month recognizes the color green. Heritage will be sharing green ribbons with our communities and will be displaying green pinwheels outside their building. They will also be hosting an open house on Wed., May 1 from 3 – 4 p.m. at, 110 S 26th St. in Ord. They encourage you to wear green in honor of mental health.
The Heritage Program for Seniors is an outpatient program developed to assist Seniors with difficult stressors and situations. It is our philosophy to provide quality care that stresses the importance of dignity, respect, confidentiality, and helping the individual to achieve an optimal level of functioning. For more information call 308.728.4340.
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Pictured: VCHS Heritage Program for Seniors staff (l to r):
Macaela Haas, PLMHP; Carrie Petska; VCHS Heritage Program for Senior Director Riley Smith, LICSW, LIMHP; Cheryl Hulinsky
