Each time we visit a union hall, school, or municipal building and give a talk, more often than not we are met with the same question: why does this matter?
It’s a question whose premise is based on a lack of information. Union members are asking this question because they don’t know enough about the stakes and our services. We get that.
Our answer to this question is never one word or even a short answer. It’s always a story, a story about what’s happening right now and why, ultimately, what we do matters.
So what’s happening right now?
Nearly 32 million American adults are illegal drug users, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics.
Add an additional 15 million American adults who struggle with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and that’s 47 million Americans. That’s a big number.
On top of that, on the mental health side, approximately 20% of American adults are experiencing a mental illness.
This is a snapshot of America right now. People are hurting and they don’t know where to turn for help.
Each time we give a talk we always say, “Right now, there’s someone in this room that’s grappling with something so powerful that it has a grip on their life. You can be their lifeline by tapping them on the shoulder and telling them about the Union First program.”
This message to members is really about two things: education and awareness. Our outreach talks and attendance at meetings is about educating members on our services and letting them know the stakes. Raising awareness is a key component of this effort.
If you or someone in your union or family is struggling with any type of behavioral health condition, please contact us at 1-855-215-2023 or www.unionfirst.net.
Our job is to protect yours.