Mental Health Awareness Month is observed annually in May to highlight the importance of mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. The monthlong campaign focuses on the prevalence of mental health issues and the necessity of access to mental health services. It also promotes positive mental health practices and encourages individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. Advocating for mental health awareness aims to foster a society where seeking help is accepted and encouraged, and mental health is considered essential to overall well-being.
This May, Frontier Health is looking to raise awareness in a new, fun, and engaging way with our new Phone of Positivity (POP.) POP was developed to lighten the mood and spread messages of encouragement while also being able to route someone to help if needed. When a user calls 423-656-0720, they will be greeted by Tony, your Phone of Positivity Pal, who has nine messages of positivity. At any point in time, if the user is feeling distressed or experiencing a crisis, they can press zero and be redirected to the 988 Crisis Line. In addition to POP, Frontier Health will launch the “Our Why” campaign for Mental Health Awareness Month on social media. This campaign focuses on why we do what we do as healthcare professionals and highlights our services.
“As we recognize the significance of Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s crucial to acknowledge both the challenges and the avenues for support available to those navigating mental health or substance use issues. Frontier Health is proud to extend the reach of our community support through the Phone of Positivity. Together, let’s embrace this opportunity to uplift and empower individuals on their mental wellness journey.” – Diane Bowen, Sr VP of Operations
Positive mental health allows individuals to realize their full potential, cope with life’s stresses, work productively, develop healthy relationships, and make meaningful community contributions. Frontier Health provides many mental health services for children and adults, emphasizing the importance of seeking help. Common warning signs that may indicate the need for help include hearing voices, thoughts of self-harm or harming others, changes in eating or sleeping habits, feelings of confusion, forgetfulness, anger, worry, or fear, withdrawal from family and friends, low energy, numbness, unexplained aches and pains, feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, and excessive smoking, drinking, or drug use. Mental health issues are prevalent but can be treated with proper care, allowing for recovery. Frontier Health emphasizes the availability of affordable services for those living with mental health issues. For more information about these resources, visit FrontierHealth.org.
News Stories:
Kingsport Times News: https://www.timesnews.net/news/appalachian-highlands/frontier-health-unveils-its-new-phone-of-positivity-campaign/article_ccde0950-da22-538d-a7f7-b36370dfd5c3.html
Johnson City Press: https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/living/health-care/frontier-health-unveils-its-new-phone-of-positivity-campaign/article_5d942e66-0704-11ef-99bf-db0fcf491379.html
WCYB: https://wcyb.com/news/local/frontier-health-introduces-phone-o
WJHL YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FehE1nDSMI