Mooresville Diversity Taskforce Highlights Mental Health Issues

MOORESVILLE, NC —May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S., and the Mooresville Mayor's Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce is doing its part to bring attention to the cause by highlighting issues like suicide and the stigma attached to mental illness.

According to the taskforce, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. Additionally, 12 million Americans seriously considered suicide in 2019.

That is why the taskforce has chosen suicide prevention as the focus for this week (May 10-14). On Facebook, the taskforce has urged those who might be suffering to reach out to a doctor, family member, friend or someone they can trust to help. They also offered information about how to get in touch with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), a national network of local crisis centers that provide free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The prevention line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

On Facebook, the taskforce explained how the stigma attached to mental illness fits into its core values, which include: community, courage, empathy, equality, integrity and respect.

"It is our hope that people in our community feel valued, appreciated and supported," the taskforce wrote.

However, people with mental health concerns often do not feel supported, and, in fact, can be discriminated against because of their condition. This is one of the reasons more than half of people with mental illness do not receive help, according to the taskforce.

"Many people delay or avoid seeking support due to fears of being treated differently or losing their livelihood," the taskforce wrote. "Stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness is still an issue today. It can be subtle or obvious, but not matter the magnitude, it can lead to harm."

According to the Mooresville Tribune, the taskforce began taking shape last summer after the protests against police brutality, which occurred in the wake of George Floyd's death. The group was given the green light by Mayor Miles Atkins and solidified its first 12 members this past January. The taskforce was divided into three subcommittees: youth empowerment, community engagement and business.

One of the group's first initiatives was a mentorship event for local high school girls during Women's History Month in March.

Jameka Haynes, chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce, told the Mooresville Tribune in March that the term "diversity and inclusion" can have a negative connotation, or sound political.

"(But the taskforce is) honestly just making sure that everybody in our town feels appreciated, feels seen and feels included," Haynes said.