A dose of important perspective was delivered to Rotarians by Emily Supino, the Operational Director of Aspen Strong.  We typically know so much about our physical heath,  and regularly practice physical hygiene-- we commit to visiting the doctor for checkups, getting our teeth cleaned by the dentist, working out, dieting, and more.  However, the same effort is typically not spent on mental health, and in fact many of us know very little about this topic.  Enter Aspen Strong who promotes mental health and mental hygiene.  Ignoring or not understanding the importance of mental health can lead to devastating consequences.  Poor mental hygiene can lead to depression, anxiety, panic, psychosis, eating disorders and suicide.  

 

In our small community, promoting mental hygiene is very important.  From 2004 to 2016, there have been 38 suicides.  Roughly 450 people suffer from mental health issues, 46% had a depressed mood, and 22% suffer from substance abuse.  Statistics reflect that one in four adults will develop more mental health or behavioral issues during their lifetime. 

 

Developing a language to better understand mental health, and providing a means to educate people to speak up and get help is the easiest prevention strategy to reach the broader community.  Aspen Strong is working hard to promote mental hygiene and build the language.  On their website, they provide an anonymous and confidential mental hygiene screening tool.  Along with their check up from the neck up program, they also offer a comprehensive directory of professional mental heath providers, and a community calendar that lists events, support groups, and training classes.  With their help, we can achieve proficiency in mental health awareness and begin to consistently practice mental hygiene.  For more, please visit: https://aspenstrong.org.

Thomas Miller (Todd Shaver)

 

Member Nominees:

Henning Rahm

Celia and Rally Dupps

Project Graduation is a drug-free and alcohol-free all night "lock-in" celebration at the Aspen Rec Center. It is a fun, safe way for all seniors to get together and have a good time on the night of graduation.  Not only will it keep them off the streets and possibly prevent a tragedy, but it will also send a powerful message that the Aspen community cares about them.  The organizers attempt to make this event memorable by organizing a variety of exciting activities, entertainment, food and prizes.