CLEARWATER, Fla. – As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, Josh Rodriguez, CEO of Windmoor Healthcare, is calling on the community to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage open conversations.
In a statement released Monday, Rodriguez highlighted the significant prevalence of mental health challenges, emphasizing that “mental health can’t wait.”
Drawing attention to the reality that one in five Americans grapples with a mental health issue, and one in 25 adults experiences a serious mental illness impacting their daily lives, Rodriguez underscored the often-invisible nature of these struggles.
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“As CEO of Windmoor, my staff and I have the privilege of serving our community with mental illnesses that are often invisible to others,” he stated. “May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The opportunity to address stigma preventing individuals from getting care is now. Positive outcomes are possible, and experienced daily.”
Rodriguez stressed that within every personal journey with mental health, there exists “strength and hope,” urging individuals to seek support and for the community to offer understanding.
He provided tangible ways for people to make a difference:
- Listen and Show Understanding: Emphasizing the power of empathetic listening, Rodriguez encouraged individuals to hear the stories of those struggling and guide them towards seeking professional help.
- Share the Crisis Response Line: He highlighted the accessibility of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a 24/7 free and confidential service available via call or text. He also noted that veterans can press ‘1’ for dedicated support, underscoring that suicide is often preventable when individuals feel heard and supported.
- Know When to Seek Emergency Care: In cases of medical emergency, Rodriguez advised dialing 911 or visiting the nearest emergency room.
- Invest in Future Mental Health Professionals: Rodriguez championed the role of educational institutions in encouraging careers within the mental health field. He proudly noted Windmoor Healthcare’s commitment to training the next generation of helpers, serving as a teaching ground for numerous universities and programs, including Walden, Nova Southeastern, Florida State, UF, Rasmussen, USF, Western Governors, Grand Canyon, SPC, University of South Alabama, Wilkes, Liberty, and Galen College, with hundreds of students gaining invaluable experience at their facility.
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Rodriguez expressed optimism about the collective ability to create positive change.
“Together we can improve the lives of Americans with mental health concerns. By speaking up we shatter stigma, foster understanding and help others find their path to healing. We invite you to speak up, share your story, show your strength,” said Rodriguez.
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