MiraVista Encourages Practices to ‘Be Seen in Green for Mental Health’
HOLYOKE — Medical practices devoted to primary care and pediatrics in Western Mass. are invited to show their support for Mental Health Awareness Month by snapping a digital photo of staff in green and emailing it by May 28 to MiraVista Behavioral Health Center for a chance to win a catered lunch in a drawing at month’s end.
MiraVista will share submitted photos on social-media platforms throughout the month.
“Green, the month’s color, shows hope and support for individuals living with a mental illness,” said Kimberley Lee, chief of Creative Strategy and Development for the psychiatric hospital, which recently expanded inpatient adult beds and reopened its renovated, 16-bed adolescent unit. “By wearing green, pediatricians and all physicians can help promote the month and a sense of community and solidarity within the medical profession around the importance of awareness.”
Lee noted that about one in four U.S. adults suffers from a diagnosable mental illness in a given year, and suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. in adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 24.
“Helping people to be aware of how emotional and mental health is a constant component in their daily life is crucial,” she added. “It leads to an understanding of the importance of self-care in maintaining it and reaching out for trusted support when it begins to slide.”
To participate in the “Be Seen in Green for Mental Health” contest, teams are encouraged to don green clothing or accessories throughout the month of May, snap a photo — or up to three photos — of team members wearing green attire, and email the digital photos, including the name and phone number of the submitting staff member and the name of the practice, to klee@miravistabhc.care. MiraVista will then use the photos submitted to show support via social media of the many offices supporting the message that mental health matters.
Winner will be notified the week of May 28. For further contest information, email Lee at klee@miravistabhc.care.