Although May was recognized as Mental Health Month by Mental Health America, an initiative started in 1949 to promote mental wellness across the United States, we can all take steps to make every month a time to support our mental health. This year’s theme,“Turn Awareness into Action,” encourages people to go beyond recognition and take real steps to support mental health.
Steps you can take any month to care for your mental health include participating in free mental health screenings, practicing daily wellness habits, and becoming involved in efforts to advocate for better mental health policies.
Advocating for mental health policy change can happen at multiple levels—local, state, and national. MHA offers tools to help individuals take action, including action alerts, policy briefings, and advocacy toolkits.
Supporters are encouraged to reach out to elected officials, attend public meetings, and share personal stories to drive change. Key advocacy goals include increasing funding for services, expanding insurance coverage, integrating mental health into primary care, and addressing the mental health workforce shortage.
These efforts foster open dialogue, reduce stigma, and build supportive environments where mental well-being is prioritized and protected.
In Oregon, there are several impactful ways to get involved in mental health advocacy.. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Oregon and the Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon (MHAAO) offer various opportunities for individuals to contribute to mental health initiatives.
NAMI Oregon provides advocacy training programs such as NAMI Smarts for Advocacy, which equips participants with the skills to effectively communicate with policymakers and advocate for mental health policies. They also organize events like NAMIWalks Northwest, a community walk that raises awareness and funds for mental health programs. Volunteering opportunities are available through their volunteer program, allowing individuals to support various initiatives across the state.
MHAAO focuses on peer-led support and recovery services. They host Peerpocalypse, an annual conference dedicated to peer support and wellness, providing a platform for sharing experiences and strategies for recovery. MHAAO also collaborates with local agencies in programs like the Provider-Police Joint Connection Program, which connects individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction with immediate support services. Engaging with MHAAO’s initiatives offers a direct way to support community-based mental health efforts.
For those interested in broader advocacy, Mental Health America offers resources to help individuals become mental health advocates. Their advocacy page provides information on current policy issues and ways to get involved at the national level. By participating in these programs and initiatives, individuals in Oregon can play a vital role in promoting mental health awareness and supporting those affected by mental health conditions.
