Mark your calendars for a day of community bonding and resources discovery as the Placer4MentalHealth Wellness Fair makes a comeback on Thursday, May 15, offering a full slate of activities designed to promote mental health awareness and support in Roseville. May, known as Mental Health Awareness Month, is witnessing a strong emphasis on removing stigma and enhancing access to mental health resources, thanks to the efforts of Placer County and the local Campaign for Community Wellness. The fair, also supported by Placer County's Adult and Children’s Systems of Care alongside CCW, is part of the "Placer4MentalHealth" initiative that encourages residents to engage with mental health conversations and take a pledge to 'Be the Change’ as part of their commitment to quash the stigma around mental health.
After last year's successful launch, which drew more than 700 people, this year's free, family-friendly event promises a diverse array of over 50 mental health-related vendors, wellness workshops, and a star-studded roster of entertainment encompassing live music and dance performances; all taking place from 12-6 p.m. at the Maidu Community Center in Roseville, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in activities ranging from mindfulness practices to creative craft-making, including an eclectic lineup of workshops covering youth mental health, the mind-body connection, mindfulness and meditation, gratitude, and even yoga, improving sleep and equine-assisted therapy for those who might need a break from the bustling fair atmosphere, there will be performances by local talents such as Chloe Mead and the Sacramento Kings dancers, not to mention the Auburn Hip Hop Congress making an appearance.
In a statement obtained by Placer County, Deputy District Attorney Kyle Jibson, also a CCW partner, acknowledged the increasing demand for mental health services and how navigating those resources can be daunting, asserting, "The Placer4MentalHealth Wellness Fair aims to support families in connecting with care while also having fun." The fair is not just about discovering services but also about fostering a communal environment where families can find support and enjoy interactive experiences together.
With nationwide statistics showing that one in five adults and one in six youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health condition, with only half getting treatment, Placer County's mental health systems have been proactive in serving over 10,000 residents last fiscal year through initiatives like early intervention, intensive mental health services, and round-the-clock crisis assistance, and besides these year-round efforts, Amy Ellis, Placer County’s Adult System of Care director, highlighted in a statement obtained by Placer County the significance of collective dialogue on mental health: "Mental health affects every part of our lives — and building a community that talks openly about it is one of the most powerful things we can do," she reaffirmed the fair's role in bringing people together to share resources and to show that support is always within reach.
For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, Placer County extends a lifeline with services like the Lotus Behavioral Health Crisis Center for urgent care needs, and a Mobile Crisis team that operates 24/7, meeting people wherever they are, in times of dire need. These services, among others, will continue to be promoted throughout May, following the May 15 event, as a testament to the county's dedication to mental health advocacy and support.
