STHS Behavioral Show Support For Mental Health

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, STHS Behavioral is hosting a special program featuring local leaders to help break the stigma surrounding mental health and show support to those facing challenges

Mental health is health. Millions of Americans live with a mental illness, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), and — just like any physical illness — if not treated, will worsen. Substance use, disability, incarceration and even suicide are among the dangers that can result from an untreated mental illness. Yet, NAMI estimates five million people suffering with a mental illness severely interfering with major life activities do not receive any treatment.

Among the reasons an individual may refrain from seeking help include stigma, distrust, lack of awareness and lack of support. Year-round, South Texas Health System Behavioral raises awareness for mental health through community education. This year, in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, STHS Behavioral is joining forces with members of local law enforcement agencies, as well as city and county leaders, to show support for those facing mental and behavioral health challenges in the Rio Grande Valley.

Attendees include Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr., Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra, Edinburg Chief of Police Jaime Ayala, Pharr Mental Health Unit Sgt. Garcia, as well as other local law enforcement, county, and city officials.

The event will begin with a brief program and conclude with a group photo with attendees that will be shared across social media with one important message, “You are not alone.”

About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level II Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and six freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

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