Horizon Behavioral Health Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month

Offering Community Education and Outreach

Each year in May, communities across the country observe Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote access to mental health resources. Horizon Behavioral Health is proud to join this national effort by encouraging open conversations about mental health and highlighting the importance of early intervention and treatment.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, 2022), nearly one in five adults in the United States experience a mental illness each year, yet only about half of those individuals receive the care they need. Untreated mental health conditions can lead to worsening symptoms, challenges with relationships, long-term physical health issues, and difficulty managing everyday life.

Throughout the month of May, Horizon will offer educational resources, host community outreach efforts, and provide opportunities for individuals to learn about the mental health and substance use services available in Central Virginia. 

Upcoming training and learning opportunities for the community include:

• Solutions to the Youth Anxiety Crisis
• Action Planning for Prevention & Recovery
• Mental Health First Aid for Youth & Adults
• A Women’s Health Month Training on Substance Use Disorder & Ethics
• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences

The public can find more information on these opportunities at Horizon’s Facebook page and for all future events.

Horizon has also launched a new podcast, The Horizon Line, dedicated to highlighting personal stories and expert guests from the behavioral health community. The first episode is now available, focusing on maternal mental health and community resources available here in Central Virginia. Listeners can find The Horizon Line on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and most everywhere podcasts are available.

“Talking about mental health is the first step toward healing,” said Melissa Lucy, CEO at Horizon. “We want our community to know that help is available, and that seeking support is a sign of strength—not weakness.”