Mental Health Awareness Events Planned throughout May
Poughkeepsie… May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which includes Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week from May 7-13th. The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) is partnering with Mental Health America (MHA) to host several events throughout the month to increase awareness and understanding about living with a mental illness.
“Good mental health is integral to a person’s overall health and well-being,” said A. K. Vaidian, MD, MPH, DBCH Commissioner. “We encourage members of the community to take advantage of the many events planned in May to increase awareness and reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness, and to learn about the many services and tools available to them in Dutchess County.”
The public is invited and encouraged to participate in the following events throughout the county:
- Resource Day on Sunday, May 7 from noon to 3:30 pm in the center court of the Poughkeepsie Galleria, where individuals and families can learn more about the many mental health and substance abuse resources in our community.
- Public Forum to discuss needed services for children and youth with emotional issues and/or chemical dependency on Monday, May 8 from 4 to 6 pm at DBCH Training Room, located at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie.
- Public Forum to discuss needed mental health services for adults on Tuesday, May 9 from 4 to 6 pm at DBCH Training Room, located at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie.
- Movie Night for parents, caregivers, providers, and teens that will explore feelings, relationships and more, using the film as a tool for discussion onTuesday, May 9 from 6 to 8:30 pm at Mental Health America, 253 Mansion Street, in Poughkeepsie.
- Family Empowerment Workshop on how to effectively advocate for your child within the school system on Wednesday, May 10 from 6 to 8 pm at Mental Health America, 253 Mansion Street, in Poughkeepsie.
- Family Fun Night with outdoor events that include games, crafts, and a potluck supper on Friday, May 12 from 5 to 7:30 pm at Bowdoin Park, 85 Sheafe Road in Poughkeepsie.
- Stomp Out Stigma Walk to increase awareness about eliminating the stigmas often associated with mental illness on Saturday, June 3 from 10 am to noon at Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie.
The events are sponsored by the Children’s Mental Health Week Planning Committee, which includes DBCH, Mental Health America, Taconic Resources for Independence, Astor Services for Families, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). In addition to participating in these events, the public is encouraged to join in NAMI’s Mental Health Awareness Ribbon Campaign throughout the month to foster open dialogue on the subject of mental illness.
Individuals can learn more about the many mental health resources available in the county, including Dutchess County HELPLINE, the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team, the county’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative, and the newly opened Stabilization Center, by calling (845) 485-9700 or visiting DutchessNY.gov/DBCH.
For those dealing with any mental health crisis or substance use issue, or who are at risk of suicide, CALL or TEXT HELPLINE at (845) 485-9700 — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. HELPLINE is staffed by experienced people who care and know how to help immediately. HELPLINE also features a mobile app that is available through both iTunes and Google Play.