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Mental Well-Being for New Yorkers Webinar

On May 18, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, EmblemHealth hosted an educational webinar on mental well-being for New Yorkers, providing education and actionable tips for individuals and their loved ones to address well-being challenges.

05/31/2023

By Lauren Carr
Strategic Manager, Policy & Government Affairs

On May 18, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, EmblemHealth hosted an educational webinar on mental well-being for New Yorkers, providing education and actionable tips for individuals and their loved ones to address well-being challenges.

To address this timely and important issue, we partnered with Council Member Linda Lee, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions, who said, “With nearly one in five New Yorkers experiencing mental health-related distress or a substance use disorder, now is the time to address our minds and well-being with the same care that we do with our bodies.” We were also joined by Dr. Dara Kass, Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, who said, “The first step to leading a mentally healthy life is often the hardest: reaching out for help.”

Sarah Downs, Director of Health Programming and Delivery, WellSpark, guided the panelist discussion with Dr. Kelly McGuire, Medical Director, Psychiatry, EmblemHealth; Terri Rhymes-Lowery, Regional Manager, EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care; and Matt Kudish, CEO, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City. The event also featured a five-minute centering practice to pause and refocus, led by Elise Cusimano, Health Coach Educator - CNY HMO Gold, EmblemHealth.

If you couldn’t join us or would like to see it again, watch the full recording (59:27) to the right or highlights listed below:

Full Recording (59:27)

Spreading education and awareness is critical, as according to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, nearly one in three adult New Yorkers reports symptoms of anxiety or depression. We also know that some communities are affected more than others. Census data has found that regardless of age, LGBT adults consistently report higher rates of anxiety and depression symptoms than non-LGBT adults. For communities of color, we know that racial discrimination has impacts on both physical and mental health. With mental health conditions affecting so many individuals in our communities, we know it is critical to provide as much education, support, treatment, and connection to resources as possible.

During the webinar, we discussed the current grant program at Neighborhood Care Flushing — the Mind and Body Well-Being Program — made possible by federal support from Senator Chuck Schumer. We also announced the upcoming launch of the Mental Well-Being Education and Support for New Yorkers Program at Neighborhood Care Crown Heights in October. It will provide free, culturally competent well-being programming, made possible by federal support from Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

“Cultural stigmas can often deepen health disparities among certain populations — especially our African American, Latinx, Asian, and LGBTQ+ New Yorkers — and prevent us from seeking mental healthcare when we need it most,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “I am proud to deliver this grant and support EmblemHealth’s efforts to provide accessible, culturally competent mental health programming to the Crown Heights community and beyond to historically marginalized populations.”

The Public Policy team will continue to address pressing public health and health equity issues in partnership with our internal experts and external allies. Look out for more programming and announcements in the coming months.

Note: Any information provided during the course of this session is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be substituted for regular consultation with your health care provider. If you have any concerns about your health, please contact your health care provider's office. This information provided during this session is not intended to imply that services or treatments described in the information are covered benefits under your plan.