National Mental Health Month, May 2018

2018-04, Proc. Declaring May as National Mental Health Month (1)

Burke County, is known regionally, state-wide, and nationally as among the best in care, and most concentrated of professional area centers for hospitalized mental health treatment.

However, for our citizen residents who go about seeking work, dealing with depression or grief, balancing work and family, or the dealing with the “accepted’ stresses of daily living, — mental health therapeutic counseling is not always accessible as one would think.

Increasingly,  we hear and see reports of persons of all ages — children, adolescents, adults, and even seniors — withdrawing into themselves; suffering discouragement, depression, and loss of hope. Even more so are the horrific instances in the news and TV we have already learned this year of persons lashing out with destructive behaviors, all too often threatening, harming and even killing others, or killing themselves.

Today the safety net of government mental health services is being stretched to breaking, and significantly challenged with access to programs, not enough counselors, and therefore also need for significant citizen taxpayer support that this commission, along with state and federal governments must to find ways to provide.

Never before has the need for mental health services been more in the forefront.  Additionally, providing for mental health counseling requires the awareness of both the public, and support by citizens, businesses, churches, schools and institutions to help erase the stigma of mental illness that still prevents one in four persons from seeking help.

In 2004, Mimosa Christian Counseling Center was founded for all of Burke citizens, as a “community of faith” supported mission outreach.  MCCC opened its doors as a refuge for those suffering mental anguish.  Over 2200 families and individuals, have been aided by the certified counselors of MCCC.  Today, well over 30% of those being assisted by MCCC are still unable to access traditional counseling due to lack of insurance coverage, income gap or non-qualification for government assistance, or personal financial inability to afford care.  As a community based non-profit, founded in Christian ministry, MCCC remains a unique provider to those in need, but requires the prayers, and support of the public, businesses, area churches, and private donations to continue its mission of restoring hope for individuals, children and families – without regard to religious affiliation or their ability to pay.  Through the efforts of private charitable supporters, MCCC has provided Burke area citizens unable to afford therapeutic counseling over $500,000 in counseling services.

Commissioners,— this month, Mimosa Christian Counseling Center joins with mental health professionals throughout our state and country to bring attention to the seriousness and scope of mental health issues around us.

We ask that you as elected leaders of Burke County join with us in our resolve to promote awareness for  good mental health for all citizens, and to provide access to therapeutic counseling for those in need.