One in five Americans (approximately 42 million citizens) has some form of mental illness. 18.2 percent of these individuals (eight million people) also have a substance-use disorder.
Louisiana ranks 30th in the nation for deaths due to injury from drug addiction, 30th in the prevalence of mental illness and 45th in access to mental health care.
According to research by evangelical polling organization Lifeway, only 27 percent of churches have established plans to help families affected by mental illness.
The following blog posts aim to challenge, encourage, and inspire Louisiana citizens, and the nation, to think and act differently – to pursue the world we seek, rather than the world we have.
The Devastating Societal Effects of Structural Trauma
March 2, 2020
Coming Together to Overcome the Pain of Addiction
January 6, 2020
Recovery Has Many Pathways. There's No One Box.
December 9, 2019
Is Addiction A Gift?
November 4, 2019
Improving Lives by Partnering With Faith Believers
August 5, 2019
The following articles highlight the struggle with poverty, illness, and unconventional family units, which often lead to substance abuse and addiction.
Half of Pastors Say the Opioid Epidemic Has Hit Their Church
by Aaron Earls, November 19, 2019
Christianity Today
Making Strides Against the Opioid Crisis: Churches and Government Working Together for Good
by Ed Stetzer, September 12, 2018
Christianity Today
Mental Health: A Guide for Faith Leaders
2018
American Psychiatric Association Foundation
Necessary Conversations: The Church, Suicide, and Mental Health
by Ed Stetzer, August 3, 2018
Christianity Today
The Church and Mental Health: What Do the Numbers Tell Us?
by Ed Stetzer, July 31, 2018
Christianity Today
Mental Illness and the Church: An Analysis
by David Murray, October 13, 2014
Christianity Today