Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health issues and addiction are often misunderstood and rarely talked about. And yet, statistics tell us that one in two of us will have a mental health concern during our lifetime. Recent statistics tell us that over 22 million people struggle with substance abuse. 

You are not alone.

Our Touro community rejects the stigma that society places on mental illness and addiction.  Stigma often prevents people from getting the mental health help they need. Touro believes that there is strength and comfort in talking about mental health and addiction in community.

Our clergy offer guidance and support to members and their families coping with mental health issues, addiction, recovery  and/or the challenges faced by caregivers.  They are dedicated to helping our congregants find the help they need. 

In addition, our Mental Health Committee is dedicated to education, advocacy, and support for Mental Health – in our Touro Synagogue community and beyond.


Mental Health Committee

Touro’s mental health committee helps raise awareness about mental health issues. At times, special mental health awareness programming may be offered. Over the years, such programming has included mental health first-aid training, community discussions on addiction,  and religious school learning events. The committee recognizes the prevalence of mental health and addiction issues and is committed to helping raise awareness, helping reducing stigma, encouraging outreach for help, and promoting inclusion. 

We welcome new members to our committee. Please contact Naomi Yavneh Klos or Joseph Bodenmiller.


Also, you may find help and support from the following services and programs:

Jewish Family Service of New Orleans – Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans (JFS) is a social service agency dedicated to preserving, strengthening, and enhancing the well-being and self-sufficiency of individuals and families at every stage of life.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – NAMI New Orleans offers hope, help, and healing to people with mental illness – and to those who share their lives – through family support, education and advocacy, and quality psychosocial services. Touro’s Mental Health Awareness Committee has partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to provide services for our congregants struggling with their own or a loved one’s mental health condition. Please visit NAMI’s site to view their calendar of support group meetings.

Addictionary – a free web-based resource hub that strives to provide the most up-to-date information and available treatment services across the nation
AddictionResource.net – up-to-date, accurate, and evidence-based information related to addiction, substance abuse, mental health, and treatment
Alcoholics Anonymous – Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
Al-Anon – For families supporting alcoholics and recovering alcoholics
Family and Friends Guide– The Recovery Village
DrugRehab.com – A web resource provided by Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS). ARS is an integrated behavioral health care management organization dedicated to the treatment of addiction, substance abuse, eating disorders and mental health issues
HelpGuide.org – A dedicated team of seasoned mental health professionals, professional writers, and website developers, who collaborates in a face-to-face environment to ensure our information is current and accurate
Metropolitan Crisis Response Team – Provides telephone and face-to-face triage, assessment, and intervention for persons experiencing mental health or substance abuse crises. 24/7 clinical staff used to prevent unnecessary mental health hospitalizations and instead link consumers to community based services that better address their needs.
Recovery.org – Provides information for Addiction Recovery Centers in New Orleans and its nearby cities
Rehabs.com – Provides information on New Orleans Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Facilities
Student Mental Health Resources – This comprehensive guide discusses and details a number of mental health issues, including information on how they impact academic performance and where to find help
Via Link 211 – Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK or dial 2-1-1 for Louisiana Crisis helpline