May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the importance of mental health and well-being. As we raise awareness during this dedicated month, it is crucial to emphasize the availability of resources to support individuals facing mental health challenges. Suffolk AME would like to take a moment to remind our members of the mental and behavioral health resources that are readily available to them.

► ADHC Behavioral Health Benefits: Suffolk AME members, their spouses or domestic partners, and children up to age 26, can use ADHC for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder telephonic visits FREE of charge through the Benefit Fund. To get started, either call ADHC at 1-844-636-3668 or visit www.memd.me/scmebf.

► Awareness for Parents of Children and Teens: The Suffolk County Prevention Workgroup created a presentation titled "Parents and Families in the Know" to assist parents and caregivers in accessing local resources for youth facing developmental disabilities, mental health issues, and/or substance abuse. Empower yourself by seeking out and utilizing these resources to take proactive steps. Watch the video here.

► Optum Behavioral Health, EMHP Participants: EMHP participants can also access services through Optum Behavioral Health, which provides Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder benefits, a 24-hour crisis line, referral services, and claims services. The phone number is 1.800.765.6709 and the information is also on the back of your health insurance card, or at www.liveandworkwell.com.

► Optum Behavioral Health Substance Use Helpline (855) 780-5955: In addition to utilizing resources from Optum and ADHC, EMHP participants can call (855) 780-5955 to get anonymous support 24/7 from an advocate who is trained in substance use care and recovery. They can help you find treatment, typically within 24 hours.

► Optum Crisis Support Resources: Optum Behavioral Health offers a range of crisis support resources on their website, including guides for coping with trauma and lists of local resources for various situations. Visit www.liveandworkwell.com and sign in, then click "Crisis Support" in the navigation menu at the top of the page.

As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, let us not only focus on equipping our brothers and sisters in need with the resources to support their mental health but also express our gratitude to those dedicated Suffolk AME members who tirelessly work towards addressing mental health challenges in our community and the members who compile and share crucial mental health resources. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to creating a supportive environment for mental health awareness and wellness.