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].