Collier Senior Resources at the Golden Gate Senior Center
Collier Senior Resources Shines Light on National Mental Illness Awareness Week
Naples, FL – 9/24/19 – Collier Senior Resources (CSR) at the Golden Gate Senior Center (GGSC) – a nonprofit organization working to address the needs of older adults and their caregivers – joins individuals, organizations and businesses across the country bringing attention to mental health during National Mental Illness Week, October 6-10, 2019.
Held annually the first full week of October, National Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) sheds light on mental illnesses as treatable medical conditions, working to dispel stigmas and share resources for those living with mental disorders and those who care for them.
“Our programs are designed to meet the physical, emotional, psychological and social needs of our 1,300 members in a safe environment where trusted professionals can not only celebrate with them during good times, but support them in judgment-free ways through challenges such as anxiety, isolationism and depression,” explains Senior Center Director Tatiana Fortune, MSW.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention:
· Millions of Americans live with a mental health condition and related stigmas and misunderstanding
· National Mental Illness Awareness Week provides mental health advocates a platform to raise awareness, dispel misinformation and share valuable resources
· 20% of men and women age 55 or older experience some type of mental health concern, including anxiety, severe cognitive impairment or mood disorder
· Approximately 7% of people aged 65-74 years old experience ”frequent mental distress”
· Nearly ½ of seniors 65+ living with a recognized mental or substance-use disorder have unmet service needs
Concludes Fortune, “Older Americans are vital, contributing members of our society and their health and wellbeing is valuable to their loved ones and our community. National Mental Illness Awareness Week is another way to share information and resources that help ensure the needs of local seniors are met in ways that allow them to thrive at home, work and play.”
In case of emergency, please call 911.To help a senior in need, please call the NAMI hotline at 800-950-NAMI. For more information on Collier Senior Resources and the Golden Gate Senior Center, please call 239.252.4541, or visit www.CollierSeniorResources.org.
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Collier Senior Resources (CSR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to address the needs of older adults through programs, services, education and advocacy. CSR provides free services for seniors, caregivers and those in need, including the Golden Gate Senior Center, life-enhancing programs, services and seminars; the Leadership Coalition on Aging; the Virtual Resource Directory and more. For more information, please call 239.252.4541, or visit www.CollierSeniorResources.org.
