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Oklahoma has 3 suicides committed every 48 hours. If treated, depression
can be resolved in 80% cases. Oklahoma is 49th in the
nation in mental health program funding.
These are sad facts, but there is hope. The Lawyers Helping Lawyers
Assistance Program supports Oklahoma attorneys
who are struggling with depression, addiction, and substance
abuse problems. While 80% of attorneys who contact Lawyers
Helping Lawyers report depression or symptoms of depression,
a recent study shows that many professionals are unwilling
to get the help they need because of the stigma associated
with this disease.
To combat this growing problem, LHL has partnered with professional
counselors throughout the state to provide up to 6 visits
free of charge. There is also a peer support network
in place to help attorneys though specific issues they
may be struggling with. Now, there's even more help available.
The Oklahoma Bar Association is pleased to announce that Reggie
Whitten of the Whitten-Newman
Foundation has presented Lawyers
Helping Lawyers with a gift of $25,000 to support
the treatment of lawyers struggling with addictions
and mental health issues. The check was presented
during this year's annual meeting, at the free mental
health CLE provided by the OBA. The money is used
to directly support the program, and is managed through
the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program.
Reggie shared the story of his son Brandon, who became addicted to
Valium at an early age, and who died in a drug-related
motorcycle crash in 2002. He was 25. To honor the
memory of Brandon, Mr. Whitten now speaks about prevention
and treatment of addiction, and through the foundation,
provides scholarships to "underdogs" looking to further
their education.
The OBA is proud to support this program as a vital part of membership.
If you are interested in helping to support the program,
you can donate directly to the fund at the same time
you pay dues. Member's dues statements will have an area
where you can designate your gift to the program. All
money given to Lawyers Helping Lawyers goes directly
to that fund, and is not a part of the general fund.
If you are attorney seeking help, call (800)
364-7886. Your call
is strictly confidential.
For more information on the Web:
Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program
Work/Life Balance Committee
News item: LHL Partners with CABA, Inc. to Provide Assistance to
Lawyers
Whitten-Newman Foundation
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