Since 1949, the month of May has been observed as “Mental Health Awareness Month,” increasing awareness, celebrating recovery, and spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care about! Maintaining positive mental health allows you to feel, think, and act in ways that help you to navigate life’s challenges.
On Saturday, May 18, Lebanon County, in partnership with the Community Health Council and Community Services Group (CSG), will be hosting the second annual Mental Health Awareness Festival! The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the CSG Psychiatric Rehabilitation program, located at 718 Poplar Street in Lebanon (near the 8th St. Rail-Trail).
“Last year was our inaugural event, which was a great success with 25 vendors participating. We’re really excited to expand the festival this year, with the addition of many new vendors and activities,” said Skyler Deitrick, Program Director of CSG’s Lebanon Psychiatric Rehabilitation program. “It initially started off as a small idea, and has taken off into a larger event than I could have ever imagined! Mental health affects everyone in some way. The goal of this event is to help others make connections, understand what supports and services are available locally, and celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month!”
This year’s event will bring together 45 local agencies, providers, and professionals throughout Lebanon County! Returning vendors, such as Lebanon County MH/ID/EI, Wellspan, Halcyon Activity Center, and Peerstar will be joined by new vendors, including UPMC, the LGBTQ Center, YMCA, Caring Cupboard, CareerLink, and the VA. In addition, there will be activities held throughout the event, such as a cooking demonstration by Weis Markets, a music therapy drum circle by Living Unlimited, yoga demonstrations by Wellspan, a restorative guided walk, pictures with a kissing horse and dwarf goats, and a Snow Cone Hamster Wheel! The event is free to attend, and the first 250 attendees will receive a free tote bag, hot dog, and bottle of water.
“Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month is so important in our community, and I am so grateful for the many volunteers who put this event together,” said Nikki Mauer Gray, Executive Director of the Community Health Council. “1 in 5 adults in our community will experience poor mental health, and events like this one send the message that ‘it’s ok to not be ok’.”
A committee made up of volunteers from Lebanon County MH/ID/EI, CSG, Wellspan, and Connected Together have worked tirelessly to make this a successful, annual event. For months they have spent time gathering feedback, reaching out to potential vendors, securing sponsorships, and creating promotional materials. A special thank you and recognition goes out to Wellspan, UPMC, Amerihealth Caritas, CSG, Lebanon County MH/ID/EI, Community Health Council, Tower Behavioral Health, and the Meadows for sponsoring this year’s event!
