The month of May was designated as “Mental Health Month” more than 60 years ago to educate Americans about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness for all.
More than six decades later, the event is still celebrated across the country every year with a host of activities, and Humboldt County is no exception. Numerous events are planned this month in Eureka, Arcata and Fortuna, designed to challenge people to consider their views toward mental illnesses and respect those who live with disorders.
Local activities include:
– Today: The world premiere of the documentary film “Voices that Heal” will take place at the Arcata Playhouse, 1251 Ninth St. in Arcata. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the program starts at 4 p.m. The film features interviews with six individuals whose personal stories shed light on mental health and the experience of being labeled as having a mental illness. It also looks at the stigma that surrounds mental illness.
– Tuesday: The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors will issue a proclamation designating May as Mental Health Month. The proclamation will be followed by a walk starting at noon at the Hope Center, 720 Wood St. in Eureka, and ending with a rally at the Community Wellness Center, 908 Seventh St. in Eureka.
– Friday: The 16th annual Art Sale and Reception will be held in the Rainbow Room located within the main Mental Health building, 720 Wood St. in Eureka. Artists
with the Art for Life program will be on hand to talk about their work.
– Friday: A reception will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. during Arts! Arcata at Couple of Cups, 1603 G St. in Arcata. Mental Health Month poster contest entries will be on display along with Hope Center quilts. Artwork will be on display until June 15.
– May 23: A workshop titled “Building Community Capacity for Suicide Prevention” will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at River Lodge, 1800 Riverwalk Drive in Fortuna. Continuing education units are offered. For more information, call 441-5520 or email DHHS_TES@co.humboldt.ca.us.
– May 30: The DVD “Finding Your Way Through Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders” will be presented from noon to 1 p.m. at the Community Wellness Center, 908 Seventh St. in Eureka. The presentation highlights the stories of Humboldt County families who have successfully found their way through perinatal mood disorder.
For more information, call 441-5070.
These events are being sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Mental Health Services Act. MHSA, also known as Proposition 63, was passed by California voters in 2004. It levies a tax of one percent on personal income in excess of $1 million a year, with funds used to support a broad range of prevention, early intervention and other service needs, along with the infrastructure, technology and training necessary to sustain them.
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