Much progress, but still a way to go on mental health

For decades, May has been Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental illness is a real thing. Twenty to 25% of the population is affected worldwide. Awareness is getting better and so is stigma. The upcoming generation seems to be more understanding. I thank all who give a helping hand in this field. You are important, but we have far more to do. There are still many suffering who need help. Treatments are improving and much research is being done. We must continue to push harder on this front. There is hope for the future and what can happen.

There are supports available with capable committed people. The Abbe Center for Community Mental Health and the Linn County Access Center are great. The police force does CIT training and they have been taught tactics to deescalate situations. And of course, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is there to help and educate. They have affiliates in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

As you can see, we are keeping busy, but there is a long way to go. United together, we will make a difference.

Steve Miller

Cedar Rapids