Mental Health Awareness Month Highlights Local Efforts in Asheville
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the importance of mental health. According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, nearly 30 million Americans do not have access to affordable mental health and substance use treatment.
In Asheville, Jewish Family Services (JFS) is making strides to improve access to these vital services. Michael Barnett, the executive director of JFS, shared that the organization serves individuals from all backgrounds, emphasizing the need for everyone to seek help.
Throughout May, JFS aims to encourage the community to reach out for counseling support. They offer both in-person and online counseling options, and they accept Medicare as well as provide grants to help lower costs for those in need.
On May 1, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein officially recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting that about 1.5 million residents face mental health challenges in the state.
Melissa Wolfe, the clinical director at JFS, noted a 39% increase in reported mental health issues in western North Carolina from 2012 to 2024. She explained that the ongoing demand for services has been intensified by recent events affecting the community.
Wolfe expressed a commitment to extending services to as many individuals as possible, positioning JFS as a reliable community resource. “Mental health is crucial. You must first acknowledge the need to talk to someone, and we seek to eliminate the obstacles that might prevent you from doing so,” Barnett emphasized.
For more information about the services offered by Jewish Family Services, you can visit their website.
