The crisis of dependence and mental health continues to wreak havoc on the families of the communities across the country. We certainly see it in Virginia, where it affects more than 150,000 residents and costs our condition nearly $ 5 billion each year.
Growing up in Virginia – where I trained in gymnastics and developed a love for university sports that inspired my future career activities – I saw in the first hand how this crisis affects American families. Who understands My own parentsDied of fentanyl overdoses at our home in Newport less than five hours from each other while I frequented Rutgers University as a first -year gymnast.
At 18, I ended up with more questions than answers – on dependence, stigma and how something so devastating could remain so hidden. For years, I have brought the weight of this silence loss, believing that the sharing of my story would only make a severe judgment. But I have learned since silence is what allows this epidemic to persist. Today, I gave myself the mission of my life to empower the other affected by dependence to speak, to ask for help and to never be ashamed.
We have recently taken this important message to Capitol Hill, summoning university researchers, industry leaders and high -level decision -makers, including Senator Tim Kaine, D -VA., For an event – “the science of dependence and mental health”. He highlighted the peak health research of universities through the country on the fronts of efforts to reduce stigma, to encourage open conversations on the impact of the crisis on our families and to improve treatment and interventions for millions of Americans who suffer from dependence and mental health.
For example, look no further than the current research efforts at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, where the assistant professor and clinical psychologist Jarrod Reiswer, Psy.D. developed A new virtual treatment program based on reality for veterans with substances consumption disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders and other mental health problems. Supported by the federal funding of the Veterans Health Administration and working in close collaboration with the Central Virginia Va Health Care System, Dr. Reisweber has extended this striking therapy to the veterans of the Commonwealth.
And at the former Dominion University in Norfolk, an associate professor Jonna Bobzien Maximizes federal investments in scientific research to improve training in mental health and drug addiction for school workers, teachers, social workers and community partners.
Since the Second World War, the federal government has made solid and supported investments in medical research in American colleges and universities. This research led to Unequaled advance in care and medicine that improve health results. Maintaining federal funding for scientific research will guarantee that our nation continues to develop medical innovations and find new remedies and treatments for many mental health problems, such as dependence and substance consumption disorder, which cause enormous damages and sufferings for individuals and families.
In the race to save lives and ensure the safety of our communities, we must continue to support researchers in American higher education establishments that remain at the forefront of new medical breakthroughs and treatments that can help turn the tide of dependence and the mental health crisis.
In the political spectrum, Americans see scientific research massively as a boon for health care. Actually, 95% believe that federal investments in science help provide life medicines and treatment innovations. Day after day – in red states and in blue states – American colleges and universities are carrying out this type of revolutionary research, which helps us to better understand the human brain and target new therapies and treatments that allow us to fight against dependence and the crisis of mental health.
In Virginia, we see a real leadership of schools, businesses and elected officials extend to tackle this crisis. But we must continue to invest in working solutions. This means breaking stigma and increasing access to resources, including federal funding for scientific research on dependence, treatment and prevention. If we want to put an end to this epidemic, we must understand it – and it starts by supporting research and education that can save lives.
Lauren Sisler is an award -winning sporting broadcaster at the Emmy Award, an ESPN Siede journalist, author and former college gymnast. She graduated from Giles High School and Rutgers University.