This Mental Health Awareness Month and one local nonprofit organization, HGI Counseling, has seen a dramatic 600 percent increase in the demand for their mental health therapy services since the global pandemic began. This significant growth is just one example of the current mental health crisis happening in our community and across the nation. In many families, and even in the workplace, there is still a stigma against speaking openly about mental health and seeking help. HGI Counseling has been providing affordable and, in many cases, free therapy sessions since 1978. As an organization, they do not turn anyone away regardless of their ability to pay. Sue Levin, PHD and Executive Director of HGI Counseling, tells us more about the significant increase in demand for their services, as well as about a new innovative program that the organization is making available to employers to address the mental health needs of their employees.
Nonprofit executive, philanthropist, wellness expert, author, and athlete, Crystal Hadnott is also releasing her new book, "Rise & RUN" which coincides with Global Running Day on June 1st. Crystal has run well over 150 full and half marathons since October 2006 and on several different occasions, she has also run a 202-mile relay race. Crystal shares her story of her outlining her health and fitness journey and gives us some wellness tips.
