By Samantha Munro

World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the concept that “mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health.

The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

Good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being. Yet one in eight people globally are living with mental health conditions that can impact their physical health, their well-being, how they connect with others, and their livelihoods.

 One may ask, why would the American Red Cross be interested in this topic? It goes into alignment with our mission statement, to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. As a humanitarian organization, we respond to an average of more than 60,000 disasters every year.

Experiencing a natural disaster or other emergencies can be intensely stressful. This stress is not only experienced by those who have lost, but also by those who are there to help, as 90% of our disaster relief workers are volunteers — who have or also may be going through the same thing while also being there as a support for others during their moment of crisis.

The impact can still be felt even when the immediate danger has passed. People may feel grief or anger over the damage or loss, fear or hopelessness when thinking about rebuilding their lives, and not knowing where or how to begin.

This is why the American Red Cross offers Disaster Mental Health support provided by licensed professionals who volunteer their time and talent when disaster strikes. It is crucial for people to know that there is help available to them after experiencing a disaster. Knowing that you are not alone, that there are people who are available to assist you with getting your life back on track one day at a time, can give you hope and a peace of mind!

Last year, Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteers nationally made over 23,500 contacts following medium to large disasters, and 548 Disaster Mental Health volunteers deployed outside of their regions, including several from Southeastern Pennsylvania.

More of these critical volunteers are needed. If you’re a mental health professional with a current license or certification in any U.S. state or territory, your skills are needed to help people facing the stress and trauma of disaster or to facilitate skills workshops for service members, veterans and their families. Learn more about these opportunities by visiting redcross.org/voluneertoday.