By Addy Hatch, #WSU College of Nursing
Very #ruralareas in the #UnitedStates have fewer #mentalhealthservices for #young people, yet that’s where the help is needed the most, says a study led by Janessa Graves of the #WashingtonStateUniversity College of Nursing, published last week in JAMA Network Open.
Previous studies have shown that the #suicide rate among #young people in rural areas is higher than for urban #youth and is also growing faster, said Graves, associate professor and assistant dean for undergraduate and community research.
Yet by one measure, using ZIP Codes, only 3.9% of #ruralareas have a #mentalhealth facility that serves young people the study found, compared with 12.1% of urban (metropolitan) and 15% of small-town ZIP Code Tabulation Areas.
Measured by county type, 63.7% of all counties had a #mentalhealth facility serving #young people, while only 29.8% of “highly #rural” counties did.
“#Youth #mentalhealth is something that seems to be getting worse, not better, because of #COVID-19,” said Graves. “We really need these resources to serve these kids.”
While Graves’ study focused on #suicideprevention services offered in #mentalhealth facilities, “even less intensive services like school #mentalhealth therapists are lacking in #ruralareas,” she said.
Concluded the study, “Given the higher rates of #suicide deaths among #rural #youth, it is imperative that the distribution of and access to #mentalhealthservices correspond to community needs.”
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
