Mental Health Awareness Day

Organizers of the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Day are especially
pleased with this year’s theme because it encourages the community to step up and support people who face behavioral challenges, said Holly Bowyer, planning committee chair at The Center for Counseling & Consultation, the event’s host.
The theme for the special day and throughout May is “Turn Awareness into
Action”; May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
The local awareness-day event is set for 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend. In case of inclement weather, it will move to the city auditorium.
“Since we are aligned with the theme conceived by Mental Health America, we want to strongly urge people to get involved,” Bowyer said. “If you know someone who
is struggling with conditions such as anxiety, depression, grief or trauma, you can be there for them and provide support.
“For example, you can help them seek local professional guidance. There are
many entities in Great Bend and the surrounding area that are available to individuals and families.”
The Center continues to sponsor the annual awareness event because
“behavioral health affects everybody,” Bowyer noted. “We can showcase our services and provide this venue for our many community partners. We are so grateful for these partners who take this opportunity to share information about their programs.”
Approximately 20 entities will have booths that feature information not only on
mental-health services, but also physical health and youth programs.
The Center will offer free hot dogs, chips and popcorn while supplies last. A
bounce house and yard games will be available too.