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Recent data paints a troubling portrait: an estimated 20.78% of US adults, representing 50 million individuals, grapple with mental health challenges. Even in 2023, where influencers, celebrities, and other public figures publicly admit struggling with their mental health, and glitzy social media campaigns and mental health platforms promise greater accessibility, the reality is the majority of everyday people either fear to speak out or, even worse, are not even fully in touch that they have a problem. Add in the aftermath of a pandemic that is not over in technical terms; it is abundantly clear that mental health must be more of a concern now than ever.
Though most towns and cities have available mental health resources, far too many do not know where or how to access them; moreover, lack of access remains an ongoing challenge for those who know about them. An even more unfortunate reality is that lack of access often connects to more than just a lack of financial resources– but also minimal or no technology. This is where an innovative Atlanta-based nonprofit organization, The Hope Booth, steps in.
Founded by Gloria Umanah, The Hope Booth is on a mission to provide individuals with an innovative and immersive experience to encounter hope, affirm their dignity, and connect to finding help and support on their journey to mental health. The Hope Booth offers three-minute interactive experiences designed to immerse the user in messages of hope, inspiration, and motivation, all housed within refurbished telephone booths.
These strategically positioned installations worldwide serve as 24/7 touchpoints, delivering art-infused messages of hope and providing information on mental health resources available within a five-mile radius of the booth. Notably, a team of licensed psychologists, therapists, and social workers continue to lend their expertise to the initiative, ensuring a seamless blend of art and science.
“The Hope Booth is more than just an intervention; it’s a statement. Every person who enters is boldly saying that they’re seeking connection, seeking to understand and feel seen,” remarked Hope Booth founder, Gloria Umanah.
Since its inception, multiple Booths have been strategically installed in college campuses, public parks, and transport hubs, becoming landmarks of support. Each booth serves as a safe space and informational hub, utilizing multimedia to educate individuals about mental health and provide resources.
Key features include the AI-powered Hope Meter (which determines the direction of the experience based on a unique scoring model and emotive word bank analysis; The Hope Message (which offers a selection of 19 different 90-second messages of hope); The Support System (which supplies critical mental health resources available within a five-mile radius); Breathwork (which is especially helpful for those in extreme stress) and targeted sound to help with external noise.
“Beyond the support system, users love the AI generated hope meter/emotive word bank analysis that determines which of 19 experiences one will receive. This feature helps the experience feel personalized. If our system identifies a person is on the verge of suicide, they will receive a very different experience than someone who is having a hard day at work and could use encouragement — this goes into intentionally making others feel seen — this is one of the ways we do that,” explained Umanah.
“Imagine Hope Booths permanently installed around the world on street corners, in prisons, hospitals, schools, workplaces, and just about anywhere people frequent, 24/7, free of charge, to provide humanity with resources that provide both crisis intervention and crisis prevention, by making hope and help accessible,” she further reflected.
Since its launch, 5,134 individuals have been impacted by the Booths, with many sharing tales of renewed perspective and newfound hope. Major universities including LSU, VCU, Samford, and Lipscomb have reported decreased feelings of isolation among students, illustrating the initiative’s tangible impact.
The BIPOC-led initiative aims to ensure everyone can easily access such lifelines regardless of economic background. And now, with World Suicide Prevention Day quickly approaching on September 10th, The Hope Booth is gearing up for a significant event in Atlanta, striving to catalyze a larger conversation about mental health.
“World Suicide Prevention Day is not just a mark on a calendar,” Umanah expressed. “It’s a commitment, a pledge that we stand by, listening and reaching out, today and every day, with the goal of saving lives and abolishing gut-wrenching statistics.”
While The Hope Booth serves as a pathway to immediate connection, the underlying message is even more profound: humanity needs a robust, systemic approach to mental health. The hope is to see a nationwide, even global, embrace of such innovative, community-driven endeavors.
Interventions like The Hope Booth highlight a path forward for Americans and others globally grappling with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues and contributing factors. The upcoming Atlanta event stands testament to this commitment, promising not just awareness but actionable change. The road ahead is daunting, but with passion, innovation, and community spirit, there’s a strong belief that progress is within reach.
Learn more about the Hope Booth and how to sponsor a booth here.
