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My brother, Joel, and I had a very deep conversation about mental health, the road to recovery, and suicide. These are topics that are important to all of us, but they strike a particular cord with our family because we, like many other families, have been personally affected by it.
It's a difficult topic, but one that we believe must not be kept hidden in the shadows.
Nearly 50,000 Americans committed suicide just last year, and without serious and intentional intervention, this crisis is only going to get worse. Mental health resources and suicide crisis prevention services are already harder to come by in rural America than in urban settings, but they are a crucial part of health care that each one of us deserves access to no matter which state or community we live in.
This time of year going into the holidays can be especially hard for some folks. We hope that you are able to learn from our experiences, give yourself, your friends, and your family some grace, and reach out if you need help getting through hard times.
I truly hope you'll find our conversation healing and restorative. Take a listen here.
And please remember, if you or someone you love are in crisis, call, text, or chat 988 to speak with mental health professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
Sincerely,
Heidi
Heidi Heitkamp, Former U.S. Senator from North Dakota
Founder, One Country Project
Founded by former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), the One Country Project is dedicated to reopening the dialogue with rural communities, rebuilding trust and respect, and advancing an opportunity agenda for rural Americans. Our mission is to ensure rural America’s priorities and values are heard, understood, well-represented and reflected in policy in Washington.
Your financial contribution supports our work to promote greater opportunities for rural communities.
If you're able, please join our rural champions program by making a recurring gift. Knowing we can count on your gift each month really helps.
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