Categories
Crisis Public Health

Severe Flooding in Yellowstone Park

Did you hear about the Major Disaster Declaration last week over the severe flooding in Yellowstone Park?

Last week, US President Biden approved Montana’s request for a major disaster declaration, which sets in motion federal aid for the three counties devastated by severe flooding in Yellowstone Park.

Per the Washington Post, the unprecedented destruction has left many people in the region uneasy about their futures. Extreme weather, from record-breaking heat waves to raging wildfires to more powerful hurricanes, is accelerating as global temperatures rise, destroying livelihoods and putting strain on all kinds of communities just like Yellowstone. Recent news are reporting many residents being stranded and lost their homes.

Photo Credit WP
Map of affected area – Credit: NWS

From one of my research studies on severe flooding (upcoming in-press publication coming soon) included interviews and focus groups of people who were flooded in the UK. From this research, many people reported feeling skeptical after a severe flood that change for the best will happen to them locally despite the news coverage and financial support (which tend to be limited amount and difficult to access). Some of this skeptical feeling was said to be connected to lack of awareness and support felt once the news coverage and financial support disappeared.

Categories
Mental Health

2022 Mental Health Awareness Month

Action is needed to help curb the growing realities of mental health issues among adults and youths. Today may be the last day of #mentalhealthawarenessmonth but our work to improve our mental health is something that extends more than a month – we must be aware and act everyday. 

For example, recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study shows evidence of ‘persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness’ growing among United States high school students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Per @WHO, full death toll associated directly or indirectly with the COVID-19 pandemic (described as “excess mortality”) between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021 was approximately 14.9 million deaths (with a range from 13.3 to 16.6 million).

One of key takeaway from the @CDCgov study:
-> Poor mental health, persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors were LESS PREVALENT among those who felt CLOSE TO PEOPLE at school and were virtually connected with others during the pandemic.

🎥 Check out “Speaking on Mental Health” below – it was created by students & supported by @DirectChangeCA @takeactionformh @LACDMH