JFS Tributes- March 2026
JFS Acknowledgements- March 2026
The Charlotte Jewish News- May 2026- Page 24
Mental Health Awareness Month
By Howard Olshansky
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national initiative to raise awareness about the significant impact our emotional health has on our day-to-day lives and to diffuse the stigma often associated with accessing treatment for mental health issues. Today, mental illness has been recognized as a critical public health issue supported by compelling national data. At a time when millions of Americans are struggling with mental health challenges, this month serves as a powerful reminder that awareness, education, and action are essential to improving lives and strengthening communities.
One of the most striking reasons Mental Health Awareness Month matters is the sheer prevalence of mental health conditions in the United States. Recent data indicate that nearly one in five American adults, about 57.8 million people, experience some form of mental illness each year. This means that mental health challenges are not isolated or rare; they affect families, workplaces, and communities across the country. In fact, almost half Americans will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lifetime. These numbers underscore that mental health is a mainstream issue, not a niche concern.
Depression, one of the most common mental health conditions, has increased significantly in recent years. According to national data, the prevalence of depression in U. S. adolescents and adults has risen by 60 % over the past decade. Among teenagers, the situation is particularly concerning, with nearly 40 % of high school students reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. These trends highlight a growing crisis, especially among young people, and reinforce the need for early intervention and sustained awareness efforts.
Despite how common mental health conditions are, access to care remains a major challenge. Research shows that only about half individuals with mental illness receive treatment, leaving millions without the support they need. Other estimates suggest that as many as six in 10 people with mental health conditions receive no treatment at all. This gap between need and care is one of the most pressing issues in mental health today. Mental Health Awareness Month plays a vital role in closing this gap by encouraging individuals to seek help and by advocating for more accessible and equitable services.
The consequences of untreated mental health conditions can be severe. Suicide remains one of the most tragic outcomes and a stark indicator of the importance of awareness and intervention. In the United States, tens of thousands of people die by suicide each year, with numbers reaching nearly 49,000 in recent data. Suicide is also a leading cause of death among younger populations, emphasizing the urgency of addressing mental health early in life. Awareness campaigns during May often focus on recognizing warning signs, promoting crisis resources, and encouraging open conversations that can save lives.
Mental health also has a profound economic impact. Serious mental illness is estimated to cost the U. S. economy over $ 190 billion annually in lost earnings. When individuals struggle with untreated conditions, it can affect productivity, job stability, and overall workforce participation. Employers are increasingly recognizing this connection, which is why many organizations use Mental Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to implement wellness programs, provide mental health resources, and foster supportive workplace cultures.
Youth mental health is another area of growing concern. In addition to high rates of sadness and hopelessness, approximately one in five young people report seriously considering suicide. These statistics point to the importance of integrating mental health education into schools and ensuring that young people have access to counseling and
support services. Awareness efforts in May often emphasize the role of parents, educators, and communities in fostering resilience and emotional well-being among children and adolescents.
Beyond statistics, Mental Health Awareness Month is about changing attitudes and behaviors. Data can highlight the scope of the problem, but awareness drives the cultural shift needed to address it. When people understand mental health conditions are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of, they are more likely to seek help and support others. This normalization is essential for breaking down stigma, which remains one of the biggest barriers to care.
The observance also promotes practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being. From encouraging regular exercise and sleep to fostering social connections and mindfulness, Mental Health Awareness Month emphasizes that small, everyday actions can make a meaningful difference. These preventive measures are especially important given that anxiety disorders alone affect tens of millions of Americans.
Ultimately, the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month lies in its ability to turn data into action. The statistics are clear: mental health challenges are widespread, growing, and often untreated. But they are also manageable and, in many cases, preventable with the right support and resources. By raising awareness, promoting education, and advocating for systemic change, this month serves as a catalyst for progress.
As the nation continues to confront rising mental health needs, Mental Health Awareness Month stands as both a call to action and a source of hope. It reminds us that behind every statistic is a person, a friend, a family member, a colleague who deserves understanding, care, and the opportunity to thrive.
JFS Tributes- March 2026
Get Well Soon Scott Menaker Joel and Paulette Cohen
Happy Birthday David Abrams Ruth Goldberg Florence Jaffa Paul and Lynn Edelstein Vivian Sternweiler David and Rebecca Burack
In Memory of Alan Ablitz Ron and Jan Weiner Sarah Ackerman Paul and Lynn Edelstein
Volunteers: Brian Ablitz, Russ Ackerman, Jessica Alfandary, Marcia Arnholt, Mike Arnholt, Daniel Benjamin, Andrew Bernstein, Dan Coblenz, Jonathan Collman, Judy Conley, Andrea Cronson, Erica Davison, Julie Dermack, Joni Deutsch, Sheryl Effren, Rachel Friedman, Meredith Gartner, Dave Gerrard, Marty Goldfarb, Blair Goldsmith, Richard Goldsmith, Joann Goldstein, Leon Golynsky, Daryl Greenberg, Gail Halverson, Lane Henkin, June Hirschmann, Rebecca Hockfield, Bob Jacobson, Jennifer Koss, Stephanie Kreitman, Glenn Kunkes, Marcia Lampert, Eric Lerner, Kim Levy, Adina Loewensteiner, Terry Meyers, Frada Mozenter, Barbara Rein, Nina Rose, Cindy Siesel, Stuart Singer, Louis Sinkoe, Lisa Somerson, Lauren Stark, Lorin Stiefel, Nancy Wielunski, Amanda Zaidman
Purim Party Volunteers: Charlotte Jewish Day School, Charlotte Jewish Preschool, Dan Coblenz, Rob Friedman, Richard Goldsmith, Joann Goldstein, Gail Halverson, Etti Krause, Jodie Joseph, Kim Levy, Susie Meier, Teresa Singer, Lisa Somerson, Lauren Stark, Philip Stark
Yom Gemilut Hasadim Volunteers: Stephanie Kreitman, Dan Coblenz, Richard Goldsmith
Matthew Gromet and Phyllis Schultz Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte- Adam Kolett Gary Silverstein ZJ Gamlin Paul and Lynn Edelstein
Ann Langman Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte – Adam Kolett
Mazel Tov Abe Sheffer on his bar mitzvah Stuart and Carolyn Hennes
JFS Acknowledgements- March 2026
Assemble and Deliver Passover Bags: Russ Ackerman, Jessica Alfandary, Alexis Berman, CCDS, Dan Coblenz, Richard Goldsmith, Daryl Greenberg, Lane Henkin, Jodie Joseph, Fred Kraus, Terry Meyers, Bayla Rosen, Cindy Siesel, Ana Silverstein, Lauren Stark, Philip Stark
Live Laugh Give Volunteers: Annie Brackis, Meredith Baumstein, Andrew Bernstein, Andrea Cronson, Rachel Friedman, Blair Goldsmith, Tamar Goldblatt, Kevine Levine, Rachel Peterson, Andrew Rosen, Karen Silver, Louis SInkoe, Alyssa Wilen
Hadassah Meal Preppies: Lois Benjamin, June and Paul Hirschmann, Johnson and Wales, Judy Kaufmann, Penny Krieger, Mary Jane Rosenthal Andrea Schewitz
Food Drives: Temple Beth El SPICE, Stephanie Thompson in Honor of Sadie Merick
Food Pantry Donations: To our generous community: Thank you for continuing to donate to the food pantry. We continue to collect donations every other Wednesday at the portico entrance to the Blumenthal Center for Jewish Education Building on Shalom Park. Also please look for our donation box in the new security entrance in front of The Levine JCC.