Mental wellness is a public health issue

As we close 2022, many feel gratitude. Grateful for some semblance of everyday normalcy, more social connections, and a general sense of relief.

But for many, the mental health fallout from the pandemic continues. Maybe you are struggling with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thinking. Or — sometimes even harder — watching someone you care about struggle with their mental health. We continue to see the number of contacts we’re supporting increase, up to nearly 80,000 in FY22.

The people who reach out are in increasingly acute levels of crisis. We sent rescue 309 times to people who had already taken an active step to end their lives. In 2023, we know that these challenges will continue — in our community, across the state, throughout our nation, and the world.

To meet the ongoing demand, we’ve purchased The Witwer Building in downtown Cedar Rapids. We look forward to providing our staff and community with a new therapeutic space to support Iowans in crisis. This location will consolidate five metro locations and support our teams in a comprehensive and trauma-informed way, reducing the risk of secondary trauma and helping our teams serve others. The space also will allow us to expand our education programs to help businesses and community groups care for their employees’ mental health and well-being.

This building — a quiet $5.2 million labor of love — is a work in progress and we’re only $900,000 from our goal. Mental wellness is a public health issue. It impacts everyone, regardless of age, occupation, or lifestyle. We encourage you to reflect on how it impacts your life.

In 2023, there are a few things you can do to help support the mental health of our community:

• Check on loved ones: Reach out to those you see struggling to help normalize the challenges we all face and connect them with crisis mental health care.

• Reach out if you need support: Contact Foundation 2 Crisis Services 24/7/365 for support by phone, chat, text, or in-person. Calling or texting 988 is a great place to start.

• Donate to our campaign: You’re joining us at the beginning of our public “Building a Foundation to Mental Wellness” campaign. Your gift is transformative for our teams and the people we serve. We greatly appreciate your support of mental health care in your community.

You can learn more about the campaign and the ways we change and save lives at www.foundation2.org.

Emily J. Blomme is CEO of Foundation 2.