United Way of Broward County has launched a countywide mental health awareness initiative with 211 Broward aimed at informing the county’s LGBTQIA+ population that “It’s OK to Not be OK”. The campaign’s goal is to provide members of the community facing challenges with an outlet of support, creating dialogue, and offering much-needed mental health resources during these difficult times.

The “It’s OK to Not be OK” initiative places strategic messaging around segments of the Broward County community including the LGBTQIA+ population, veterans, and first responders. It addresses stress, loneliness, and/or anxiety that people may be feeling and directs them to call the 211 Broward 24/7 Hotline for support or to find free resources. In fact, 211-Broward offers “Safe Zone”, a safe and confidential support source for LGBTQIA+ youth/teens. The free and anonymous service, which can be accessed by dialing 2-1-1 or 954-671-8336 (TEEN), provides teens with information, support, or simply a listening ear. Additionally, United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention’s website, www.DrugFreeBroward.org, also provides resources including toolkits that provide information to support mental health issues.

 The norm in some cultures is to avoid talking about problems, feelings, or mental health and many in our community may feel isolated or not know where to turn for help. The goal of this initiative is to open the dialogue and let community members and others know that it is OK to talk about these feelings of stress, isolation, and anxiety.

United Way of Broward County has done the following:

– Partnered with 211 – Directing the community to dial 9-8-8- or 2-1-1 on the phone to get connected to hundreds of resources available in the community.

– Created an online resource center at www.DrugFreeBroward.org. This center is filled with toolkits, community resources, employment resources, food resources, and financial assistance resources for families and businesses. 

– Hosted and continues to host virtual informative webinars.

Now more than ever, it is essential to come together and care for one another with respect. We can do this by communicating and listening without judgment and by connecting those who need help with support services in our community.

About United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health and Drug Prevention:

United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health and Drug Prevention (UWBCCBH) is a broad-based substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion coalition dedicated to reducing negative consequences on individuals, families, and communities. Today, its primary role is to serve as a coalition-building organization that brokers partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies to foster, develop, and enhance integrated behavioral health efforts throughout Broward County, while searching for innovative and effective ways to address the issue of substance misuse. Behavioral health and drug prevention is a vital component of United Way of Broward County’s three impact areas (health, education, and financial prosperity) focused on solutions to close gaps in services and create a better life for all. For more information, please visit www.drugfreebroward.org or follow on social media at www.facebook.com/uwbccommission or on Twitter/Instagram @UWBC_Commission.