Annual mental health, addiction resource fair nears
Join anytime between 4 and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, for the 3rd annual community- wide Mental Health and Alcohol & Drug Abuse Resource Fair in Sheboygan County, at the new location of St. Dominic Parish Activity Center (2133 N. 22nd Street, Sheboygan).
The purpose of the health fair is to provide education and awareness of resources for families, individuals, and professionals in Sheboygan County that promote good mental health and/or address mental illness and alcohol & other drug abuse challenges.
This event is for anyone interested in discovering community resources, services, and networking. Last year, over 200 community members attended the event with 98 percent reporting they learned about new resources and 84 percent reporting they believed the event helped reduce stigma around mental illness and addiction.
Why come?
» Get answers to help yourself or a loved one.
» Free chance to WIN an iPad and other cool door prizes.
» KIDS CORNER to keep the kiddos busy while parents find resources they need.
» Free food and refreshments. [YUM!]
» Over 50+ vendors will be present to share resources they have that promote good mental health and/or address mental illness and alcohol and other drug abuse issues.
» The event is free — there is no charge!
» Even if you have no mental health issues or current concerns, mental disorders will affect 1 in 4 Americans each year and we know early intervention is key!
Building Hope & Resiliency
Every day folks do find recovery, help and hope for mental health and/or substance use conditions. You or your loved one are not alone and this crossagency collaboration is intended to help individuals find the services they deserve and create a healthier community that fosters hope and recovery. Providing events like this remind us that through sharing our stories and lived experiences, we can truly begin to remove shame and blame that often cloud the recovery and acceptance process for individuals and families.
The Next Generation
In conjunction with the resource fair, MHA is sponsoring a middle school poster contest. One thing that supports mental health is....talking about it! We want to hear from our tweens/teens! Do you know a middle schooler, grades 6th-8th, who would be interested in sharing with us what mental health means to him/her? All contest participants will gain the opportunity to have their artwork submissions displayed on MHA’s website, social media sites, used in community presentations and future products intended to raise positive awareness for mental health.
Poster contest winner will also receive a $25 gift card. Check out the submissions and vote for your favorite at the resource fair. Visit MHA’s website for contest guidelines and details at www.mhasheboygan.org. Submissions are due quickly, by April 28. We look forward to finding out what mental health means to the next generation.
Mental Health Matters
HSC2020’s Stigma subcommittee is grateful to lead the effort with support from sponsors: Aurora, Homes for Independent Living, Mental Health America in Sheboygan County, Prevea/St. Nicholas Hospital and Sargento.
To learn more, contact Kate Baer, cochair of Healthy Sheboygan County 2020 Mental Health & Substance Abuse Committee and executive director of Mental Health America in Sheboygan County, at 920-458-3951 or kate@mha sheboygan.org.