Mayor Daniella Levine Cava wants residents who are in distress over the holidays to reach out for help
MIAMI - The holiday season can be especially stressful for some.
On Monday, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava was joined by Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez, former Miami Dolphins Dan Marino and Nat Moore, and former Miami Marlins player Jeff Conine to share a public safety message for the holidays.
"For Us, Protect Us!" is focused on residents standing together as a community to keep each other safe from harm. The message stresses that residents who are in distress should reach out for help.
"The holiday season comes with great joy and happiness and celebration and it also brings additional emotional stress," said Levine Cava.
She added that it can be a very difficult time for some people.
"Increased depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide," she said.
The mayor said the county has key mental health resources for those who may need them.
"We're here to stand with the mayor to say there are resources. Get help," said Conine.
Ramirez said knows mental health issues are personal for so many.
"We're not all immune to that. Just had a conversation the other day at a party thanking my officers for how they delicately handled an issue with their family member," he said.
According to a recent survey by BetterHelp, 45 percent of Americans are worried about their mental health this holiday season.
Mayor Levine Cava said there are so many resources out there if someone is in need. The two of the simplest are calling 988 or 211.
The mayor, faith, and other community leaders want residents to take the time this holiday season to reach out to neighbors, and loved ones, and to speak up when someone is in trouble.
