Mental Health Awareness Month

Representative Raquel Moore-Green

Hello Friends,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and among the many questions, comments, and concerns I have had are around prolonged isolation for seniors, youth, and all of us. I have heard from constituents and community members with concerns / heartbreaking stories of lives lost during this pandemic shutdown. On Tuesday I sat through a 3 hour long House Interim Committee on Behavioral Health. Wednesday I attended a webinar hosted by Women in Government on the topic of mental health. And later this morning I will hear an update from Marion County’s Behavioral Health Director, Cydney Nestor.

In the many communications I have had, via email, zoom, phone, etc. the lingering question is what I am doing as a state legislator to help and what do I recommend for others to do. My response has been “We are a strong and resilient community…. for the short term I ask you to stay calm. Have patience, extend grace. Use common sense. Be the caring community that you are to one another. Together we will weather this storm.” I shared our community resources hoping to reach those in need.

I know this is not enough for the families and friends of individuals suffering severe anxiety and depression, it’s only exasperated by this prolonged isolation of stay home – stay healthy mandate to help stem the spread of COVID19. And with the reopening of Marion County there are now those who have anxiety of reentry and the fear of becoming ill. We are seeing an increase in the calls to the crisis hotline manned by our local Marion County public health, as well as an increase in calls to the “warm line” for seniors experiencing isolation and loneliness.

This week I learned of a couple of new resources that may be of help to those in need. Part of the challenge we have is that we may not know anyone in this situation, but I urge you to bring the conversation to the forefront of your interactions with others. Share with them your concern of this unanticipated consequent of severing our communal supply chain and harming our mental health. Share this information with the hope that it will eventually hit the ears or eyes of someone who knows someone that needs a call, a visit to help them through the next week, the next day, or even just the next hour. Think about who might need this information and share please.

  • Mental health screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether one is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
  • Mediation can reduce anxiety, sharpen memory, treat symptoms of depression, promote more restful sleep, and even improve heart health. Here are two easy apps to consider:

As a legislator I will work to integrate regular mental health checks as part and particle of our health routines - just like a blood pressure check, or vision screening. We must do better---thank you for being part of the solution, part of this resilient community which we are blessed to be part of.

Thank you for engaging with your state government. Please know my door is always open and my staff, Pam McClain, Lena Prine, and I welcome your participation.

All my best, rmg

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Raquel Moore-Green

Representative, HD19 South Salem, Turner, and Aumsville

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1419
Capitol Address: 900 Court St NE, H-385, Salem, OR 97301
Email: Rep.RaquelMooreGreen@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/moore-green

Be sure to follow my legislative Facebook @reprmghd19


Your District - Your Voice Listening Session

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On Monday, June 8 at 5:30PM I will host an Aumsville & Turner Your District Your Voice Listening Session via Zoom.   I hope you will join me virtually and share your questions, concerns and thoughts. To register please click here Registration Link.

Questions may be submitted in advance to lena.prine@oregonlegislature.gov.

 

Additional Resources

  • You can find a collection of resources for businesses and individuals on the House Republican Caucus’s COVID-19 Economic Resources page.
  • The Small Business Navigator has been set up by Business Oregon to help direct Oregon businesses to the resources they need.
  • The Veteran Resource Navigator has launched to assist veterans and their families in accessing federal, state, and local resources during the COVID-19 crisis.
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