State Officials Attend Mental Health Celebration

The Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County hosted a Mental Health Celebration on May 14th in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in downtown Kent. State officials, local partners, and community members joined together to shine a light on mental health by raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and encouraging open conversations.

RecoveryOhio Director Erin Reed represented Govenor DeWine’s Office and spoke to the crowd, “At RecoveryOhio, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that every Ohioan deserves access to care, support, and the opportunity to live a full, healthy life.”

She continued, “Behind every statistic is a real person. A neighbor, a coworker, a friend, a family member. Someone who is doing their best—and who might be struggling silently. That’s why events like this matter. Because when we come together, we create safer, stronger communities where no one has to suffer alone.”

Mental Health & Recovery Board Executive Director John Garrity, PhD spoke about this year’s Mental Health Month theme, Turn Awareness Into Action.

“Each of us can turn awareness into action by doing something small each day to improve our overall health and wellbeing. Things like spending 10 minutes in nature, connecting with a friend, getting a good night’s sleep,” said Garrity.  “It’s also important to reach out to friends and family members who may be struggling emotionally and offer support.”

Attendees were able to practice mindfulness and express their artistic side by painting rocks, either to keep for themselves or to write positive messages on and leave somewhere for someone else to find. There was also a letter writing station for participants to write down things they are grateful for and the Board will mail the letter back to them in 6 months for a helpful reminder. Letter writing stations are also available at all the public libraries in Portage County.

Local mental health agencies and recovery community organizations also had resource tables.

For those experiencing mental health-related distress, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7, free and confidential support through call, text, or chat with a trained specialist.

Photo credit: Max Greenhaugh