Washington County is stepping up to the plate this May by designating it as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the mental struggles that don't discriminate, touching lives across all demographics, as per a recent announcement on the county website. This year's focus, dubbed "Where to Start," targets the heart of the issue; initiating the often challenging conversation around mental well-being, and the county's departments including Community Services, Public Health and Environment, Library, and Public Works, are lined up to bat with a roster of events.
Residents looking to brush up on the basics can swing by the Oakdale Library on May 16 or Hardwood Creek Library on May 22, with both sessions penciled in for a 6 p.m. start, where "Introduction to Mental Health services" will be on the agenda, these events cater to anyone who's looking to learn more about the mental health services available to them, but that's just the opener, as there's more in store.
At the forefront of empowering individuals, the “Self-Advocacy Workshop: Lifting Your Voice, An Act of Self-Love” sets the stage on May 29 at Park Grove Library. Pitched as a chance to encourage residents to make their voices heard, it's a nod to self-care in the constant hustle. Furthermore, in a cultural swing, an East African Cultural Wellness Day scheduled on May 31 at Pondview Townhomes in Woodbury, is geared to bring a blend of cultural nuance and well-being to the field.
Continuing with the theme, Washington County libraries are not just hubs of knowledge this May they're beacons of support; they are offering a curated Mental Health Awareness book list, aspiring to cover all the bases from literature to tangible resources, and for providers, there's the Mental Health in the Parks event. All this information and more was fielded by Kathy Mickelson, Community Services Division Manager, for anyone looking to touch base on mental health and well-being issues or events planned.
In a move that pairs visibility with advocacy, the county is also going green, quite literally, with "Green Lights in Washington County," casting a verdant glow to signify the importance of mental health, a visual reminder that we're all on the same team when it comes to mental wellness. For anyone ready to step up to the plate and have a swing at understanding or improving mental health, Kathy Mickelson at 651-430-6532 is the go-to coach for the season that's all about awareness and support.
For detailed insights into the county's Mental Health Awareness Month activities or mental health resources, visit the Washington County website.
