United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, which includes Carbon County, has announced a multi-year initiative to increase awareness and funding around the region’s growing mental health crisis.

The United for Mental Health campaign is a three-year initiative with initial support from BSI Corporate Benefits.

“Across the nation, mental health needs are rising rapidly, creating substantial impacts on all parts of life including physical health, quality of life and even a student’s ability to learn in school. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General has described declining mental health among youth as the crisis of our time,” said David Lewis, president of United Way.

In the Greater Lehigh Valley, statistics show a continued increase in depression, anxiety and isolation among children, teens, adults and seniors:

• 43% of youth report feeling depressed most days;

• 40% of adults report symptoms of depression or anxiety;

• 25% of seniors report feeling isolated from their community;

• The suicide rate is 34% higher than the state average, with Carbon County reporting the highest suicide rate among veterans in Pennsylvania.

Throughout the annual campaign, which ends March 31, BSI Corporate Benefits has pledged to make an additional gift in honor of every new or increased donation to support our neighbors’ mental health needs.

Donations will provide resources including:

• Student mental health services in United Way Community Schools;

• Programs to combat social isolation among older adults;

• Housing, shelter and case management for veterans;

• In-home services for babies and parents, and more.

To donate directly to United for Mental Health, text HOPEFUL to 40403 or visit www.unitedwayglv.org/donate.