To the Editor: Focus on mental health year-round

Dear Editor,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it has probably never gotten as much public attention as it has this year. That’s both good and bad.

To address the stigma around mental health disorders, we must talk about them openly and honestly year-round. As the Rosecrance Central Illinois Executive Director, it has been refreshing to see mental health in the spotlight for a sustained period.

Unfortunately, I also know that is because many of us are struggling. Mental illness affects one in five adults and one in six youth in a normal year. With COVID-19, that number doubled for adults. The past 12 months have been particularly difficult for those who struggle because they had to adjust to isolation and care by phone or video.

It is tough to talk about something this sensitive, but maybe now is the best time any of us might have to ask how our loved ones truly are doing. Once you have that first conversation, don’t let it be a just a May thing, or wait until we’re reminded again during Recovery Month in September. Make relationship-building check-ins a part of your life every day. The more you connect, the brighter someone’s world becomes through the joy of real relationships.

If you’re a little nervous about speaking up, or if you’re struggling with mental health now, know that you’re not alone. Whatever your concerns, there are many resources available to help you find information, support groups, or treatment. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is one place to turn. The Illinois Department of Health Call 4 Calm text line (text “talk” to 552020) is another great resource for emotional support. And, as always, caring Rosecrance Central Illinois staff would be delighted to talk with you or point you to valuable groups and resources.

Please remember that together we can help those who struggle with mental illness, and we can continue to work to end the stigma.

Life’s waiting.

Joey King, Central Illinois Executive Director
Rosecrance

New library rules now in effect

With the state entering a new phase in its pandemic mitigation strategy, the St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library has updated their visitor rules in accordance to Illinois' newly relaxed restrictions.

Effective yesterday, the library will allow 25 people in the building. That maximum number includes both staff and patrons. Patrons, who must also wear mask when admitted, will be allowed 30 minutes a day inside. Restrooms and water fountains will not available for public use.

The library will continue to offer curbside service for those who can not or object wearing masks inside the building.

Residents and patrons who have a question about the updated policy can contact the St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library by phone at (217) 469-2159 or via email at stjosephtownshiplibrary@gmail.com.

Pix & Six | Six questions with Damian Knoll

A while back the Sentinel found Damian Knoll watching the Unity softball team's early season home game against Westville. Earlier in the week, the three-sport athlete drove in the winning run in his baseball team's season opener against Hoopeston Area.

Damian Knoll hits a foul ball during his second trip to the plate in the Rockets' April home game against Hoopeston Area. In the bottom of the 5th inning he tripled putting across the winning run for an 11-1 victory. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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Relatively sure that Knoll will make huge impact in every sport he playes during his senior year for the Rockets starting next fall, we asked six questions so we would get to know the junior better.

Sentinel: What is your dream job?
Knoll: Police officer or DNR officer

Sentinel: Who are three people you would want to spend a month long vacation with?
Knoll: Kevin Hart, Duwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and Nolan Arenado.

Sentinel: Name one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
Knoll: How dedicated I am to sports.

Sentinel: If you were a superhero what would your alias be and what would be your super power?
Knoll: Dam Dollar. My main special power would be the ability to read people's minds.

Sentinel: If you inherited a million dollars, what would be the first thing you would buy?
Knoll: A brand new truck.

Sentinel: Finally, where is your favorite place to eat?
Knoll: Monical's.

Inches away from a safe call, Knoll is tagged out just before reaching the bag on a steal attempt at second base. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)