Page 6 - 2023年8月號

In the spirit of caring
t the 2023 Rotary International Convention powerful global advocate for mental health. A re-
in Melbourne, I asked all Rotary mem- cently published study by Ohio State University found
bers to become champions in our effort performing acts of kindness was the only one of three
to illuminate mental health needs near mental health interventions tested that helped people
A
and far. This includes helping one another feel more feel more connected to others. Study co-author David
supported, advocating for mental health services, and Cregg said, “Performing acts of kindness seems to be
building bridges with experts in the field to expand one of the best ways to promote those connections.”
access to treatment. This research suggests what we’ve known all along
It’s an important task and a big ask. But it’s also — that doing good helps transform not just the com-
something that should feel familiar to every Rotary munities we serve, but it also transforms us. As we put
member — because everything we do is in the spirit a greater focus on mental health, let’s not think of this
of caring, giving, friendship, and compassion, and has effort as something new to Rotary, but rather as some-
been from the beginning of our organization. thing we can do better and as a result have a greater
We’ve grown into an amazing global network of 1.4 impact on ourselves and the people we serve.
million interconnected community leaders — leaders We are not starting this effort from scratch. The
who share a deep commitment to doing good in the Rotary Action Group on Mental Health Initiatives has
world. But what makes Rotary powerful isn’t just what been focused on these kinds of issues for several years,
we do for the communities we serve. We also support and we will be looking to members of that group for
and empower each other, by creating a safe space for leadership as we continue to build awareness.
our members to bring their whole, authentic selves. We Mental health care fits comfortably within several
show each other comfort and care. of our areas of focus. As of May, there are 41 global
These connections are deeply meaningful. The U.S. grant-supported projects with a mental health focus.
surgeon general recently declared loneliness a public Many of them have tremendous promise, and we will
health epidemic. Dr. Vivek Murthy said, “We must be highlighting them in the months ahead.
PHOTOGRAPH: MONIKA LOZINSKA as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders.” I R. GORDON R. MCINALLY
prioritize building social connection the same way we
So let’s work together to erase the stigma associated
with emotional well-being, raise awareness of mental
have prioritized other critical public health issues such
health needs, and improve access to preventive and
am proud of what Rotary has done across generations
interventional mental health services.
to build those kinds of social connections — and this
Together, we will Create Hope in the World.
magazine focused on loneliness and what Rotary can
do about it in its January 2023 issue.
Our worldwide community and our foundational

4 value prioritizing Service Above Self makes Rotary a President, Rotary International
ᇃᢊ׭ᎈȁ2023.8