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Hosts: George Wacker and Jeff Warren
Guests: Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Schlossberg and Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure
In this debut episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley with Love, George Wacker and Jeff Warren tackle the pressing issue of mental health with guests Rep. Mike Schlossberg and Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure. From personal stories to systemic challenges, they delve into the stigma, funding gaps, and actionable solutions to improve mental health care in the Lehigh Valley.
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Episode Recap:
Mental health is an issue that affects us all, yet it remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. In the debut episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley with Love, hosts George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren dive headfirst into this critical topic. Joined by Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Schlossberg and Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure, the conversation explores the challenges, solutions, and deeply personal stories tied to mental health in the Lehigh Valley.
Vulnerability in Leadership: Mike Schlossberg’s Story
The episode begins with Rep. Mike Schlossberg recounting his decision to publicly share his struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Inspired by the tragic death of Robin Williams in 2014, Schlossberg wrote a powerful op-ed to destigmatize mental illness and spark a public conversation. His courage not only helped many find their own voice but also lent credibility to his advocacy for better mental health policies and funding in Harrisburg.
“Until we invest in behavioral health professionals and infrastructure, we will continue to fall short as a community,” Schlossberg emphasizes.
The Funding Crisis
Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure paints a stark picture of the funding gaps plaguing mental health services. With one in five Northampton County residents living with a diagnosable mental illness, the demand far outweighs the resources available. The conversation underscores the “desert” of care left when private insurance and medical assistance run out, pushing many with severe mental illnesses into prisons or onto the streets.
“Prisons are no place for someone with schizophrenia,” McClure stresses, highlighting the systemic failures that leave vulnerable individuals without adequate support.
Lessons from the Past
The history of mental health care in the United States is a critical part of understanding today’s challenges. From the closure of state hospitals like Allentown State Hospital to the inadequacies of privatized care, the system has shifted but not always for the better. McClure points to the unintended consequences of legal victories that shuttered institutions without ensuring robust community support systems were in place.
The Pandemic’s Ripple Effect
The pandemic amplified existing issues and brought new challenges. Schlossberg reflects on the long-term impacts of a society increasingly reliant on digital connections at the expense of face-to-face interactions. Children and young adults, in particular, have borne the brunt of this shift, with rising rates of anxiety and depression.
“Breaking away from physical social interaction breaks something in people,” Schlossberg observes, stressing the need for renewed focus on in-person connections and community.
Looking Ahead
As the conversation wraps up, both Schlossberg and McClure outline their priorities for the future. Schlossberg is advocating for updates to the Mental Health Procedures Act and increased funding for workforce development in behavioral health. McClure remains committed to securing resources to support those with severe mental illnesses, ensuring they have access to safe housing and essential services.