Ponte Vedra Recorder: Experts discuss mental health challenges at forum

Once again this year, THE PLAYERS Championship hosted a forum of experts on an issue important to people throughout the community. On Friday, March 3, a panel discussion on “Driving Dialogue for Mental Health” was presented by Optum at the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse.

Mental wellbeing has become a focal point for many in the wake of the pandemic, which arguably compounded pre-existing psychological and emotional challenges.

Discussion moderator Scot “Froggy” Langley, co-host of the nationally syndicated “Elvis Duran Show,” began the conversation, stating that “we do have an absolute, undeniable mental health crisis in our country.”

“No one should lose a loved one simply because they didn’t have the health literacy or access to care.”

Sheryl Johnson, Hearts 4 Minds founder

Trip Hofer, CEO of Optum Behavioral Health Solutions, supported that observation with a statistic: one in five adults in the United States — or one in three, depending on the source — is currently facing some kind of mental health challenge. He said the demand is sharply increasing, while the supply curve has been flat.

In other words, poor access is a barrier to many who need mental health services.