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In late 2020, Perryman launched a campaign to encourage
minority populations to wear masks to guard against
coronavirus infections and help pave a path toward greater
vaccine compliance as well. The premise of the “Mask Up
Toledo” campaign was simple: use education and an upbeat
music video to encourage more people to wear masks,
especially among minority populations the virus is known to
disproportionately affect. Since the pandemic’s onset,
National Center for Health Statistics data has shown that
people of color are almost three times as likely to contract
coronavirus compared to their white counterparts, and twice
as likely to die from it.
Inspired by the success of the Mask Up Toledo campaign and
wanting to further help the community, Perryman started to
focus on understanding and spreading education on the deep
and long-lasting impacts of the pandemic on individual’s
mental health and wellness.
“When launching this second public awareness campaign, I
felt confident that addressing the mental health challenges
and consequences of these lockdowns was imperative,” said
Perryman. “I couldn’t stop thinking about the children being
out of school for almost a year … the stress the pandemic
has put on parents trying to work and take on additional
responsibilities … the anxiety brought on by those now
unemployed, not to mention the impact on those who have lost
loved ones. It’s a lot to process for everyone. So, I asked
myself: how can I help?”
With Perryman leading the
effort, the Center of Hope Family Services, the Ohio Mental
Health & Addiction Services, and the Mental Health &
Recovery Services Board of Lucas County, recently launched
another powerful public awareness campaign called “Be
Well Toledo: Struggle No More” emphasizing the need for
mental health and wellness for minority populations.”
Providing access to services is only half the solution
according to Dr. Markita M. Thompson DNP, AGNP-C, PMHNP-BC,
TBHP of Infinity Hope Center in Detroit who explained
“feelings of mistrust are often an overlooked component and
there is a negative stigma associated with depression and
other mental health symptoms.”
“Support is out there, and we need to connect more folks
with it,” said Perryman. “Access to services are for those
who have clinical symptoms, which can leave out those who
are struggling with the pandemic, but do not meet clinical
thresholds.
Bottom line: This mental health campaign’s focus is equally
about awareness of how to recognize mental health symptoms,
adopt wellness practices in daily living routines.”
Both Perryman and Thompson agree: A big challenge to getting
individuals the vital help they need is awareness. Thompson
noted that while a lack of awareness about community-based
support existed prior to the pandemic, it was exacerbated by
the current health crisis. To combat this, community-based
support is important, and that is what Perryman and her
collaborators is looking to provide through this campaign.
Perryman stressed, “Knowing the warning signs of mental illness is
key, including: fear or numbness; changes in appetite;
difficulty sleeping; and, stomach problems, and skin rashes.
Then, people need to change their behavior have to enhance
their mental wellness. Simple actions like regular exercise,
keeping a journal and staying connected with family and
friends can make a world of difference.”
The
Be Well Toledo: Struggle No More
campaign’s mission is to get information about mental health
and wellness, available services and providers to those in
need. For help and support, contact Rescue Mental Health
Services at 419-225-3125 or go to
RescueMHS.com online |
