Buckelew in Brief:
It's Mental Health Awareness Month!

Did you know more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults, or roughly 52 million people, experience some form of mental illness such as anxiety, depression, addiction or another diagnosable disorder? This means no one is truly alone in their struggles. Even if you haven’t personally faced a mental health challenge, chances are you know someone who has. 

These numbers have continued to grow in the wake of the pandemic. According to a CNN/Kaiser Family Foundation poll, 90% of Americans surveyed believe we’re in the midst of a mental health crisis. The crisis hits across ages, races, genders and income levels.

This is why we embrace Mental Health Awareness Month every May. The more we talk about how we’re feeling, the faster we can break down the stigma that prevents people from seeking help. Throughout this month, we’ll share how you can start conversations, tune up your self-care routine, and find opportunities to learn, connect and advocate.

Tune into our #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth posts on your favorite social media platform: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter).

2. Drew Robinson: A Survivor’s Story – Former San Francisco Giants player Drew Robinson is coming to College of Marin in Kentfield on May 9, 6-8 p.m., to share how his suicide attempt and recovery gave him newfound purpose as an advocate for mental health. We’ll be there in partnership and hope to see you there!  Register for free.

 3. In Conversation with Zak Williams  – The son of legendary comedian Robin Williams will be at Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael on May 14, 7-9 p.m., discussing his journey and mental health advocacy since his father's tragic death by suicide. Buckelew’s Suicide Prevention team will be there with info about the 988 Lifeline, so stop by and say ‘hi.’ Register for free to attend in person or virtually. 

4. Be Seen in Green – On May 16, let's turn the world green for Mental Health Action Day! Wear your green clothes, a ribbon, a bracelet, whatever you’ve got. Green is the international color for mental health awareness, representing growth and renewal. By wearing green, you’re showing solidarity and compassion. And when anyone asks about your green attire, it’s an opportunity to start a conversation about mental health.

5. Nature Journaling – Tomales Bay State Park in Inverness invites you to a special nature journaling workshop on May 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Heart's Desire Beach in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month. This free workshop is the perfect way to experience how connecting with nature can boost your mental well-being. Learn more.

A Meaningful Gift for Moms

This Mother’s Day, May 12, honor the important women in your life with a meaningful gift – a donation to Buckelew Programs in their names. Your gift not only celebrates Mom but also supports vital programs like Athena House, Hope Village and Maternidad y Esperanza. These programs provide mental healthcare, substance use recovery and supportive housing to women who otherwise would not have access.

Women like Lorena.

At age 32, Lorena was a mother of two when she began experiencing extreme domestic violence, resulting in broken ribs and multiple fractures. To cope with the trauma and physical pain, she turned to alcohol. Lorena eventually fled her home and was found unconscious in a hotel, her health deteriorated by abuse and alcohol. She was arrested for child endangerment.

When Lorena arrived at Buckelew’s Athena House for substance use treatment, she was traumatized, severely depressed and hopeless. At Athena House, she found a path to recovery, reunited with her children and secured a job. Now, her three young children are thriving. And Lorena has become a relief support specialist at Athena House, helping others with similar experiences.

Lorena’s story illustrates the powerful impact our programs have for individuals in crisis. With your gift, you’re honoring not only your mom, but all these moms we serve. Together, we can make recovery possible.

"This is going to be huge for Sonoma County."

Speaking to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Buckelew CEO Chris Kughn cheered the opening of a new substance use rehab center that includes Sonoma County's first medically-managed detox program for low-income residents. The new Dr. Sushma D. Taylor Recovery Center in Santa Rosa, run by Center Point DAAC through a county contract, will serve 500-1,000 clients in the first year. Amid an addiction crisis, the region has a critical need for these treatment beds, Chris said. The article also notes that more beds will become available by July, when Buckelew begins operating the Orenda Center for non-medical detox in Santa Rosa, which has been closed since last summer when Sonoma County decided to switch operators.

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