Ottawa County, Michigan Community Mental Health Press Releases May is Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Month. This national time of observation raises awareness of mental health needs, reduces stigma about mental illness, and educates people on mental health resources in their community. In the United States one in five people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime and almost everyone will face challenges in life that can impact their mental health. The good news is there are many resources available to improve mental health and increase resiliency - and there are ways you can be supportive of friends, family, and co-workers who are struggling with life's challenges or their mental health. 

Community Mental Health of Ottawa County (CMHOC) wants you to be aware of behavioral health resources available during the COVID-19 pandemic and any time thereafter. During the Stay Home, Stay Safe order CMHOC is accepting new people to our services, providing 24/7 crisis services, and continuing to provide behavioral health services to consumers. If you are interested in CMHOC services you can contact our Access Center at 616-393-5681. If you are in a mental health crisis and need support you can contact our 24/7 crisis line at 866-512-4357 or text "RESTORE" to 741741.

There are many local organizations providing behavioral health services during the COVID-19 pandemic throughout Ottawa County. Visit miottawa.org/cmh to see a listing of the organizations and their contact information. The State of Michigan also has resources available, including:

• Headspace, an online tool for mindfulness and meditation exercises
• Michigan Peer Warmline 888-733-7753, for Michigan residents with severe mental illness needing peer support
• COVID-19 Line 888-535-6136, for Michigan residents needing basic COVID-19 information or emotional support
• Healthcare Provider Support Hotline 888-910-1636, for Michigan healthcare personnel needing support  

We encourage you to reach out to family and friends to stay connected during this challenging time. If you are concerned about your mental health, please reach out to a mental health provider or crisis support line to request help. We will get through this together.

Media Contact:  Anna Bednarek, Program & Community Development Coordinator, abednarek@miottawa.org | 616-393-5648