McLean County health groups launch behavioral health social medical campaign

Posted on February 1, 2018
McLean County Health Department Director Camille Rodriguez said the behavioral health social media campaign is intended to help share their stories and lift the stigma that’s associated with mental health. (Photo Valdes Photography)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County and various local health organizations are kicking off a new social media campaign to shine light on behavioral health.

McLean County Health Department Director Camille Rodriguez said the goal is to show that it’s ok to talk about mental health so that people can get the help they need.

“Bringing awareness and reducing the stigma in discussing, addressing and treating behavioral health challenges is of utmost importance, especially when one’s behavioral health often ties to one’s physical health,” Rodriguez said.

The stakeholders, which include the County Health Department, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Baby Fold, Center for Youth and Family Solutions, Chestnut Health Systems, Children’s Home + Aid, Illinois State University, McLean County Center for Human Services, OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center and Project Oz are coordinating social media messages on the first of each month that each will share on their social media platforms.

“Social media is a great launching pad for reaching a large audience and getting people talking about mental health, their own personal stories, or ways to get help,” said Sally Gambacorta, Director of Community at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center. “By getting a multitude of organizations to post and share the same message we hope to increase visibility and have a substantial impact.”

Gambacorta served on the McLean County 2017-2019 Behavioral Health Campaign Subcommittee which created the campaign.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…