SAN ANTONIO – A local organization has joined the national movement to raise awareness about mental health and is hosting a fundraiser Monday at Raising Canes.
“San Antonio can go to any Raising Canes location and just tell them you are at Raising Cane for CHCS. A percentage of the proceeds will come and help the center, which in terms helps us continue to train this community about mental health, first aid and how individuals can really become more comfortable with the vocabulary associated with mental health disorders... and help navigate individuals for help,” Jelynne Jamison, CEO of the Center for Health Care Services said.
The Center for Health Care Services is having the fundraiser to help fight the stigma around mental health.
“With COVID and the aftermath, we know that a lot of people are suffering and could use help understanding what is mental health, how can I deal with it,” Leonardo Rodriguez, foundation manager and development director for Center for Health Care Services said.
For 56 years, the organization has been helping people in our community.
“We provide outpatient treatment primarily to individuals, children and adults that are suffering from mental health disorders, substance use disorders, as well as individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. We also try to assist families in the challenges they have with individuals with these disorders as well,” Jamison said.
According to the Center for Health Care Services, one in five people in Bexar County are dealing with mental health challenges.
For Jacob Benavides, he began searching for resources in San Antonio and came across the Center for Health Care Services.
“I was dealing with anxiety, depression and even voices,” Benavides said.
The Center for Health Care Services changed his life.
“I don’t think I could have gone through it without them,” he said.