Hi! How are you? Really, how are you? May is Mental Health Awareness Month and every year the goal is to fight the stigma, educate the public, and support people and their families with their mental health concerns. Victoria Romero, Bonnie Ortega, Jamie Bogner and Azarel Madrigal-Chase, mental health experts from the San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group, join in to discuss concerns and recommendations for men and women of all ages as well as children. We touch on substance abuse, overcoming the mental health stigma, your personal mental well being, resources available and more.
Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. The San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group (SLVBHG) has served the SLV for 50 years. We are committed to providing access to quality behavioral health services that enrich lives and promote wellness. We are driven by a profound respect for human dignity and a desire to serve the underrepresented, the disenfranchised, and those who experience behavioral distress.
Mental Health Awareness Month was started in the United States in 1949 by the Mental Health America organization (then known as the National Association for Mental Health). Its purpose is to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses, such as depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse disorder and bipolar disorder; the realities of living with these conditions; and strategies for attaining mental health and wellness. It also aims to draw attention to suicide, which can be precipitated by some mental illnesses. “Mental Health is important, we don’t expect a tractor to run if the engine isn’t being taken care of. A stress reaction is the mind and bodies reaction to unusual demands. Life’s demands can create challenges for everyone at every stage of their life. We at SLVBHG care about the community. We recognize the Valley is resilient and in it’s tough times we are here for you.” Fernando A. Martinez, CEO.
SLVBHG Contact Information:
- Emergency/Crisis Hotline: 719-589-3671
- Website
- Email: info@SLVBHG.com
- Address: 8745 CR 9 South, Alamosa, CO 81101
- Phone – General/Appointments: 719-589-3671
- Fax – General, Customer Service: 719-587-6824
- Fax – Medical Records: 719-587-6823
If you’re anxious, scared and feel like you are experiencing a crisis or just want to talk to someone without judgement, locally you can call the San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group at 719-589-3671. Or you can call the Colorado Crisis Hotline at 1-844-493-8255. Or you can text TALK to 38255 to receive mental health crisis support. Someone is available 24 hours a day to take your call and help you through this difficult time. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone!
CREDITS: Pictures and graphics are courtesy of San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group and SLVoices. Used by permission. Music by Purple Planet Music and/or Audionautix. Used under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0.
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