President Linda Thompson: Partnerships to Address Behavioral Crisis are Critical

First published in The Republican, on 12/26/24.

Over the years, I have worked to create various partnerships by collaborating with community members, businesses, health agencies, and governments to form better systems that reach and assist those in need. Supporting the health and well-being of our residents through partnerships is critical to addressing the physical and mental challenges that impact our communities. Government, businesses, healthcare companies, colleges, and universities all have essential roles to play in developing and implementing policies and programs that benefit the mental and physical health of our communities. By working together, we can identify the most effective approaches to provide and deliver the best care by leveraging our combined resources.

For several years, we have held conversations with Massachusetts Senator John Velis on how Westfield State University can contribute to addressing the behavioral health crisis in Western Massachusetts, particularly the shortage of staff available to support those in need. As chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery, and a recently appointed member of a national task force on workforce mental health formed by a collective of state government partnerships, Senator Velis has been receptive to our proposals.

On the national level, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has been vocal about creating programs to address behavioral health issues. Over the summer, Dr. Murthy issued a Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents, highlighting the critical need to better support parents, caregivers, and families to help communities thrive. In his advisory, Dr. Murthy identified parents’ mental health as a public health issue and emphasized the importance of increased access to paid family leave, improving early childhood education and childcare, and making historic investments in mental health care. He stated, “Parents have a profound impact on the health of our children and the health of society. Yet parents and caregivers today face tremendous pressures, from familiar stressors such as worrying about their kids’ health and safety and financial concerns, to new challenges like navigating technology and social media, a youth mental health crisis, an epidemic of loneliness that has hit young people the hardest.”

As a university president, I see my role as creating opportunities for students pursuing behavioral health careers by offering the best training and educational experiences. These opportunities will lead to better outcomes for those suffering from mental health disorders. In Massachusetts, the Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced $12.4 million in funding for 37 colleges and universities, including $400,000 for Westfield State, to support behavioral health students participating in unpaid internships and field studies. This funding, provided through the Behavioral Health Trust Fund established with American Rescue Plan Act funds, is managed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. We are grateful for the partnerships formed through the Behavioral Health Advisory Commission, a group of 22 members from government and the behavioral health sector, for recognizing the importance of these funds.

As we celebrate the holiday season and consider gifts for those close to us, let us remember the greatest gifts of all: kindness, listening, compassion, empathy, respect, and, most importantly, our time and attention. While the need for trained behavioral health workers is significant, we all have a role to play in supporting and assisting others in navigating life’s challenges.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance abuse, call or text the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline at 833-773-2445. The helpline is available 24/7, including holidays.