As parks and recreation continues to play a larger and more substantial role in contributing to community health and well-being, the substance use and mental health epidemics are no exception. Combined with the negative impacts of COVID-19, now — more than ever — exists the need for a community-wide approach to address these challenges. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that 1 in 5 adults in America experiences a mental illness, with 1 in 25 living with a serious mental health condition. Shockingly, half of all chronic illness begins by the age of 14; three-quarters by the age of 24.
With mental illness and substance use disorders so closely related, it is no surprise that roughly 10.2 million adults experience these two diseases simultaneously. The current pandemic only exacerbates these conditions by increasing levels of stress and anxiety as a result of isolation, loneliness and uncertainty. With all these factors significantly impacting communities and individuals across all races, classes, geographies and identities, park and recreation professionals have a unique opportunity to respond and be part of the solution.
Over the past few years, NRPA has developed several resources to support park and recreation professionals as they address substance use and mental health disorders in their own communities. In addition to the recent Parks and Recreation: A Comprehensive Response to the Substance Use Crisis report, NRPA is proud to announce the release of two new resources addressing stigma and prevention efforts related to substance use and mental health disorders:
- Parks and Recreation: Addressing Stigma Associated with Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
- Parks and Recreation: Prevention Guide Addressing Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
Parks and Recreation: Addressing Stigma Associated with Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
Substance use and mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, race/ethnicity, background or socioeconomic status. These individuals must constantly battle stigma — the negative attitudes and beliefs directed toward an individual or group of people with certain characteristics, traits or circumstances. Stigma not only impacts society’s ability to address and treat substance use and mental health conditions, but it also influences an individual’s likelihood to seek and/or accept treatment due to feelings of shame, fear and guilt. This resource provides an overview of the various stigmas associated with substance use and mental health disorders, as well as how park and recreation professionals can play an instrumental role in addressing and reducing the impacts of stigma in their own communities.
Parks and Recreation: Prevention Guide Addressing Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
The need for integrating more targeted and intentional mental health and substance use prevention programming into community-based services like parks and recreation has never been more evident. Research shows a link between the time these programs are implemented and positive health outcomes later in life. The earlier children and youth receive substance use and mental health education, the less likely they are to begin drug use and experience adverse life outcomes. This resource serves as a guide for park and recreation professionals to better understand their role in youth development, substance use prevention and promoting mental health. The guide provides an overview of the substance use and mental health crisis in relation to parks and recreation, as well as how professionals can address these challenges and support positive youth development using the outlined strategies within.
As we continue to navigate the mental health and substance use disorder space — and build upon our existing body of knowledge — NRPA is dedicated to supporting park and recreation professionals and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address these issues in their own lives and communities.
Lauren Kiefert is a Program Specialist for NRPA.