15
May
2023
|
08:10 AM
America/New_York

Mental Health Awareness Month 2023

This email was sent to our Hershey Entertainment & Resorts team members in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. 

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May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “More Than Enough.” Mental Health Awareness Month raises awareness about behavioral health, supports those struggling with mental illness, and breaks the stigma about talking about its prevalence across our country. 

Unfortunately, mental illness continues to impact many Americans, especially during these uncertain times. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that:

  • 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year
  • 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
  • 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
  • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14

These sobering statistics highlight the need for continued focus on mental health education. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts encourages open, honest conversations across your teams, families, and friends, which can help break down the misunderstandings surrounding this topic.

If you or someone you know needs assistance or is in crisis, please contact one of the resources available through our company or governmental and medical organizations for help.

  • HE&R Healthcare Benefits and Resources:
    • Team members and their families can use the HE&R Employee Assistance Plan to access a variety of confidential mental health, substance abuse, and other well-being resources.
    • Team members participating in our medical plan through our provider, Highmark, have inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse care coverage. Providers can be found by selecting the "Find a Doctor " link on the Highmark app or logging in to your account at highmarkblueshield.com.
    • Highmark offers ‘ShareCare,’ which encourages you to put yourself at the top of your to-do list and prioritize your mental well-being. For helpful tips, visit mycare.sharecare.com, and select Discover > Health Topics to follow, like Stress, Anxiety, and Wellness. 
  • Other Resources:
    • If you or someone you love is in crisis, contact the free Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. The hotline is available 24 hours/day in English and Spanish. 
    • Download the World Mental Health Month 2023 Toolkit for helpful information. Available in English and Spanish. 
    • Check out the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Tools and Resources from the American Hospital Association. 
    • Pennsylvania offers assistance to its residents. Need help? Text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or call the PA Support & Referral Helpline at 1-855-284-2494 (TTY 724-631-5600). 

On May 24, Hershey All Things Diversity will hold a free virtual event at 7 p.m. “Mental Health Matters: Cultivating Community Awareness,” and is open to everyone. Listen to a panel of local mental health experts discuss the impact mental health challenges can have on individuals, families, and communities. Register in advance via Eventbrite.

Remember, no one should ever feel alone or as if they are not enough. We can break the stigma around mental health by caring, understanding, and prioritizing our mental well-being.

Thank you.

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company is proud to help fulfill the dream of our founder, Milton S. Hershey, by providing value to Milton Hershey School in its mission of helping students lead fulfilling and productive lives - just as Mr. Hershey intended.