National CORE’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program supported company staff with monthly themes centered on minority health in April and mental health in May.
In April, the Health and Wellness Affinity Group led a walk with more than 20 staff members from across the company to the MASH TV site in Malibu Creek State Park and hosted health and wellness expert Kimberly Smith Austin at a town hall gathering on April 28.
May has been designated Mental Health Awareness Month since 1949.
At National CORE, the Health and Wellness Affinity Group took the lead in promoting a focus on mental health and wellness. Part of that effort is talking openly about mental health to help battle the stigma that often accompanies mental health challenges.
Nearly one in five people grapples with mental illness, and everyone must deal with mental health – just as we deal with physical health. Issues of anxiety are especially prevalent among teens and adults. For people who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), mental health disorders are more likely to last longer and result in significant disabilities.
CORE Village also addressed the issue, discussing resources and sharing testimonials about parenting children with mental challenges. A speaker also addressed the issue at the May 26 town hall session.