Keystone Today

The Office of Advocacy and Reform (OAR) recently urged Pennsylvania residents to focus on their mental health, as it is known that things like stress and trauma can cost lasting health challenges and social issues, particularly those stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Official Pennsylvania Government Website, this message was put out in accordance with Mental Health Awareness Month, but residents are urged to keep the idea in mind moving forward. This is especially vital for children, with the World Health Organization saying that the long-term impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is equal to $1.3 trillion per year due to services in criminal justice, health, education and human services.

“When trauma becomes a normal part of life or embedded in communities, it can destroy hope, making the change process even more difficult,” Maryann McEvoy, executive director of OAR and Child Advocate for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, told the Official Pennsylvania Government Website. “Collaborative transformation is needed at every level of society -- in policy, systems, communities, families and individuals. We hope that May 2022 is another step forward in the movement for cross-sector and cross-state collaboration. There is still time for every Pennsylvanian to join the nationwide #WeHealUS movement by attending a free event or following the conversation online.”

The WeHealUS campaign is designed to unify the country with education campaigns, information and events. Those involved have created content and shared resources through virtual events. Contributing partners include Pennsylvania businesses, organizations, advocacy groups, agencies and more that offer webinars, panel discussions, film screenings and yoga.

There were 30 virtual sessions available with the help of 15 contributing partners, which were free of charge. These included topics like “Creating Trauma-Informed Workspace,” “The Impact of War on Children: Consider the Trauma of War in Ukraine,” “Lunch Break Yoga Reset” and “Tattoos as Therapy: Exploring the Role of Tattoos for the Trauma Survivor."

Wolf’s proposed budget includes a $36.6 million increase in county mental health case funds, to go along with $40 million more in American Rescue Plan Act funds, which support critical behavioral health services.