THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND NEVADA
MAY 2023
ISSUE 26
VOLUME 3
Greetings from WestCare Nevada, There are two separate, yet connected (in my opinion) occasions related to the month of May that require specific attention, awareness, and even commemoration. First off, the entire month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we at WestCare believe in the need to continue to foster the shared commitment and effort towards transforming our communities by de-stigmatizing mental health related issues. We can do this by talking openly about mental health. We can do this by continuing to educate ourselves and others about mental health. We can do this by paying attention to our language so that we do not discourage those needing help from seeking it. We can do this by showing love and compassion to those who are experiencing mental health issues, and we can do this by meeting them right where they are. From a theoretical perspective, we know that mental health stems from both genetics and from environmental factors. So, when it comes to how an individual’s environment impacts their mental health, we must remain mindful of how important the role culture plays, and then use one’s culture as a strength to move individuals and families toward healing. While attending the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (NatCon23) conference in Los Angeles, I was astounded to find out that out of the 198,811 therapists in the United States, only 21% of them are people of color. It can only make one wonder if that is part of the reason why certain cultures choose not to seek out mental health help in the first place and although there are now specific efforts taking place to address this disparity and use cultural strengths of facilitate healing - specifically in relation to building supportive communities and using subgroups such as the faith community as a bridge to service providers, more still needs to be done.
attendance at the world’s #1 fundraising conference, the AFP Icon Conference. WestCare Nevada, specifically our Spiritual Care Chaplaincy Program, also celebrated eight years in service this month and part of that celebration was an event at Patriot Park. Members of our Connections Program (Fatherhood F.I.R.E.) team also attended a community BBQ event hosted by the City of North Las Vegas. This event provided the opportunity for young adults and their families to hear inspiring stories of courage by those who have overcome challenges associated with substance use and mental health. As you know, In May, we also celebrate Mother’s Day. Maya Angelou was quoted as saying “A mother’s love liberates," and I cannot think of a better way of expressing how I believe these two separate occasions are connected. Imagine if we took the time to address mental health with the same care and concern displayed by the mothers in our lives. As society deems that our nation is experiencing a mental health crisis, we must alter that perspective by changing our own perception and instead view this so-called crisis as an opportunity. An opportunity to liberate people just as a mother’s love does… by helping, serving, loving, and nurturing those in need. Therefore, by Uplifting the Human Spirit as we at WestCare do so eloquently.
Leo Magrdichian, LCSW, LCADC, Vice President
This month’s Nevada Loop newsletter discusses NatCon23 and how well WestCare was represented at this event. You will also read about our
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