WHIO Staff
It’s been an unprecedented couple of years and many are trying to seek help to talk about what they are going through.
Recently with shortages and the #pandemic, when those people reach out for help they are being denied or waitlisted.
There are not enough #doctors, #therapists, or resources to give people the help they need.
A report by the #UnitedStates Senate last month found that more than half of the people who need #mentalhealthcare do not receive it.
A new bipartisan effort is in the works to expand #mentalhealth access nationwide.
#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
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
Celebrating Your Gift of Life:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Darcie Clark, owner of Riverscape Counseling in Dayton, said she understands the frustrations #mentalhealth facilities are having as they try to deal with growing demand.
Clark said Riverscape has tried to bring in a diverse staff of #counselors, but if their specialty is fully booked sometimes #patients will have to be turned away or put on a waitlist.
On Capitol Hill lawmakers have discussed the issues of #racial disparities and ways to improve access to resources through #Medicare and #Medicaid.
Clark said that these efforts are overdue, but could help immensely.
“It’s so refreshing to hear,” she said, “I think that there’s a lot that could be done with that. There’s a lot of areas where care could be better provided.”
There is also the suggestion by lawmakers to increase scholarships as well as educational programs to expand and diversify the #mentalhealth workforce.
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
