Providence shines light on mental health issues in May

Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka and Providence Redwood Memorial Hospital are uniting with other Providence hospitals in Northern California to illuminate their buildings in green as a tribute to Mental Health Awareness Month.

The “Light Up Green” initiative aligns with Mental Health America’s nationwide campaign in May, encouraging structures to glow in green, the color symbolizing mental health awareness. Since its establishment in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has played a vital role in addressing the obstacles encountered by countless Americans grappling with mental health conditions.

James Goldberg, MD, Interim Associate Chief Medical Officer at St. Joseph Hospital, emphasizes, “Seeking help for your mental well-being is nothing to be ashamed of. Initiatives like Mental Health Awareness Month foster open conversations and can bring about significant, positive changes for individuals coping with mental health challenges. At Providence, our priority is to ensure our employees have access to a host of mental health resources.”

Providence employees can access mental health support by engaging in Peer-to-Peer support programs, Self-Care cafes, scheduling therapy visits virtually or in-person with mental health providers, and much more.

As noted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), there are 122 million individuals residing in regions lacking mental health professionals. Accessing available online and community-based resources can mark the beginning of a transformative journey towards improved mental well-being.