Resources for Your Mental Health

Dear Neighbor,

Everyone needs help sometimes, and it is okay to ask for help. As a social worker and Orlando police officer I worked closely with people who had a mental or substance abuse disorder. We have an obligation to support every member of our community and keep them safe.

Earlier this week, I hosted a community conversation on mental health. Thousands of Central Floridians joined by telephone and online to speak with a panel of mental health experts and service providers. You can listen to that conversation here.

I am grateful to the experts who led our conversation last night, and to the thousands of Floridians who chose to participate. We had people call from across Florida who were calling on behalf of themselves, their children, their siblings, their friends, and their loved ones. This overwhelming response shows just how important mental health is.

Nearly all of us know someone who is facing these challenges. I personally have loved ones who are working on mental health issues, and I want every member of our community to know that help is available. Mental health is just as crucial as our physical health and must be treated with the same level of respect and priority. There is no stigma to getting help, and I encourage anyone facing these challenges to reach out to our partners on last night’s call, or to my office to get connected.

For those of you who were unable to join us on this week's call, below are critical resources and contact information that can help if you or a loved one needs assistance.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Treatment Referral Helpline: 877-726-4727
Aspire Health Partners: 407-875-3700 https://aspirehealthpartners.com/
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 800-950-6264 https://namigo.org/
Suicide Prevention Lifeline/Heart of Florida United Way: 211 http://www.navigateresources.net/211CommunityResources/
Florida Department of Veterans Affairs: 844-693-5838 https://floridavets.org/mental-health-and-substance-abuse/
Orlando Police Department non-emergency line: 321-235-5300
Apopka Police Department non-emergency line: 407-703-1757
Ocoee Police Department non-emergency line: 407-905-3160
Orange County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: 407-836-4357

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, remember that the Suicide Prevention Hotline is open, free, and confidential twenty four hours a day, every day, at (800) 273-8255.

For additional assistance with mental health and substance abuse, call the Treatment Referral helpline at (800) 273-8255.

As a reminder, my office is here to help you with any issue you may be having with a federal service. If you are working with a federal agency and are not receiving an answer in a timely fashion, or you feel you've been treated unfairly, our office may be able to assist you resolve the problem or get more information.

Please reach out if you need help.

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During this tough time, I want to assure you that my staff and I are still working and ready to assist you. If you need help, please let us know. You can contact us here.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve and represent you. Please continue to care for one another and stay safe. I know that we can get through this together.

Sincerely,

U.S. Rep. Val Demings


WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE 217 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-2176	ORLANDO OFFICE 2295 S Hiawassee Rd, Suite 301 Orlando, FL 32835 Phone: 321-388-9808