U.S. Rep. Tom Reed

Before taking a swipe at the political volleyball of redistricting in New York state, U.S. Rep. Tom Reed opened his weekly telephone conference call with area media last week discussing an issue of greater importance to Americans on a daily basis: mental health. In a sympathetic tone, the congressman offered his concerns on a matter that has worsened over the last two years.

“Our country faces a mental health and substance abuse crisis that has only been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Reed said. “It is time we come together to reduce the stigma surrounding these illnesses. We must do all that we can to bring people out of the darkness so they can get the help they need. Left untreated, these illnesses cause a tragic ripple effect, not just in the individual’s life but in the lives of their loved ones.”

His sentiments were a significant call to action and an attempt to overlook, what in the big picture, is a minor distraction regarding the gerrymandered remapping. Many residents here probably cannot tell you we’re located in Congressional District 23, but it is likely they know the pain that comes with dealing with a family member or friend who faces an internal crisis.

Chautauqua County understands the reasons for worry. In 2020, the Health Department reported 39 overdoses that led to deaths. In 2021, according to the most recent numbers through New York state in January, 27 individuals died from overdosing in the first six months leading to a belief that it will get worse before it gets better.

What is even more alarming is the illness is affecting all ages. Last month, Fredonia Central Schools in a board meeting took a proactive approach as the pandemic’s role in education has changed the way students learn, their attitudes and emotions. High school Principal Darrin Paschke even discussed taking an in-service day in February to get creative in addressing the struggles.

“I think it’s something that our kids need and are asking for,” Paschke said. “And I think we need to deliver on it.”

Rick Huber, retired longtime executive director of the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County, remains concerned. With counseling services in the non-profit world often overwhelmed, those battling personal demons are more apt to seek ways for a quick escape rather than deal with what can be a tough reality. That leads to some individuals receiving care after incarceration while others never get the help they need.

In a recent phone conversation, Huber believes the system to help those in distress is on the verge of collapse when it comes to the human element. “Everyone tries to stay in their own lane now and all these businesses, non-profits … it’s become about money and contracts, not advocacy and results,” he said. “That’s huge to me.”

According to statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Health, one in five adults experience mental illness, a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior or mood that impacts day-to-day living and may also affect the ability to relate to others. The alliance notes that 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% by age 24.

It is a vicious cycle that has become lost in the political rhetoric with so many elected officials at this time worrying about facial coverings or battling over what strategy is best in keeping virus numbers down. Reed, to his credit, did not deter from the urgency of fixing the system so that more can be helped during these dire times.

“We are … seeing a staggering number of increases in substance abuse and mental health issues with COVID … in isolation and separation from our loved ones and from our normal day-to-day activities,” Reed said. “Seeking help is a good thing and not a bad thing.”

Reed called for mental health and substance abuse to be treated as related illnesses — not separately. He also made the push for the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services to allow for more efficient reimbursement practices so there is not a financial disincentive for someone who needs counseling.

Locally, the county Department of Mental Hygiene officials say residents who need help for those struggling with addiction are available at CombatAddictionCHQ.com/find-help for contact information of the services. Another resource is the Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline at 1-800-724-0461, which is staffed by behavioral health professionals providing free confidential assistance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Over the years, Reed has had his critics from the other side of the aisle. His softer side, however, could be missed if the early favorite to replace him, conservative Rep. Claudia Tenney, wins the seat in November.

John D’Agostino is the editor of the OBSERVER, The Post-Journal and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-366-3000, ext. 253.