Men's Mental Health Awareness Month

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to focus on increasing our understanding of the mental health challenges men face and encouraging early support and intervention.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, yet less than half receive treatment. Data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness supports the lack of treatment (59.5%). The lack of treatment could be attributed to different social expectations, increased stigma, and limited conversations men have about emotional well-being.

During June, we highlight the importance of recognizing symptoms, promoting access to resources, and creating an environment where men feel comfortable speaking openly about their mental health. Raising awareness is a key step toward improving outcomes and ensuring that support is accessible, normalized, and effective.

How can you help?

Start a conversation. A simple conversation can make a meaningful difference. Whether it is a father, brother, uncle, friend, or colleague, check in with the men in your life.

Share resources. Help normalize seeking support by sharing information about mental health services, hotlines, and local organizations. Let others know that help is available and effective.

Create safe spaces. Encourage environments at home, work, school, the barbershop, the gym, church, or in the community where men feel comfortable opening up without judgment. Sometimes, knowing it is acceptable to talk makes all the difference.

HealthScreen featured by Rural Health Information Hub

HealthScreen, a mobile health initiative that expands on the UF HealthStreet program, was recently featured by the Rural Health Information Hub (RHIhub). The RHIhub is funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy to be a national clearinghouse on rural health issues. They are committed to supporting healthcare and population health in rural communities.

Sweet Potato Burritos

Mashed sweet potatoes mixed with salsa, black beans, and sautéed onions are wrapped in whole‑wheat tortillas and topped with cheese to create a simple, hearty vegetarian burrito.

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)(about 3 cups)
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1 tablespoon oil (canola, olive, or vegetable)
• 1 onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 6 (8 inch) whole wheat tortillas
• 3/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby, pepper jack)
  

1. Put sweet potatoes in a medium sized saucepan. Cover with water and cover with a lid. Heat over high until boiling. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
2. Drain water from sweet potatoes and place in a medium bowl. Add salsa and mash sweet potatoes with a fork.
3. Add oil to the saucepan and heat over medium. Add diced onion and saute for 3 minutes. Add black beans and heat for 3 minutes more.
4. Stir sweet potatoes into the beans and onion until combined.
5. Spread 1/2 cup sweet potato mixture onto each tortilla. Top with 2 tablespoons shredded cheese and any optional ingredients desired. Serve immediately.
   

• "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” - Confucius

• “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” – Vince Lombardi

• “You are stronger than you think. You have gotten through every bad day in your life, and you are undefeated.” - Lori Gottlieb
  

NARCAN® Saves Lives

Narcan Nasal Spray may counteract the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Since most accidental overdoses occur in a home setting, it was developed for family, friends, and caregivers - with no medical training required.

HealthStreet has partnered with Florida Department of Children and Families to distribute NARCAN® in our community. Call 352-294-4880 today to get your own NARCAN® Nasal Spray at no charge to you.

Consider Donating to HealthStreet

Together, we can make a difference!

Your donation will directly support essential services and truly make a difference in our community. Every dollar you contribute helps us take steps towards reducing disparities that affect so many.

Just imagine the impact of your generosity: for $25, you can provide 15 personal care items, ensuring dignity and basic hygiene for those in need. With $50, we can purchase 16 daily bus passes to RTS, giving individuals reliable transportation to access vital jobs, healthcare, and services. And with $100, we can fuel the vehicles that our Community Health Workers use with 25 gallons of gasoline, enabling them to reach those in need and provide critical referrals and support.

We are also asking for direct donations of personal care items such as: shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, body wash, shaving kits & cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, deodorant, floss, pads, tampons, disposable wipes, hairbrushes and diapers.

Another way that you can make an impact in our community is by donating to the HealthStreet Clothing Closet! There is an ongoing need of the following items: men's clothing, women's clothing, children's clothing, baby clothing.

Clothing and personal care items can be directly donated at our HealthStreet location anytime between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, so we can place these items into the hands of those who need them.

Let’s join forces and create an extraordinary impact together!

Thank you for your kindness!