Mental health focus of May events
It’s a busy month at the African American Family and Cultural Center as it hosts three community events acknowledging May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
“The events are being held to bring awareness to mental health and begin self-healing and as a way to create safe and nurturing environments for people to heal,” said Cissy Smith, assistant director.
On May 21 from 8 a.m. to noon the AAFCC is hosting a Mental Health Equity and Garden Nutrition Work Day at its community garden, 2733 Wyandotte Ave.
“It’s all about promoting equity through nutrition and to help get the garden together for planting,” said Smith.
During the event, participants will work in the garden and get the chance to sample vegetables prepared in a variety of ways. There will also be demonstrations on how to cook vegetables on the grill.
The AAFCC has also scheduled It’s OK to Ask For Help Mental Health Outreach event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 24. The event will take place at the corner of Wyandotte Avenue and Myers Street. The day will feature information and education on mental health, mental health resources and free food. A behavioral health counselor will also be on hand.
“There will be lots of wellness activities and a food truck. We are also giving out wellness boxes for women and men that have self-care items like candles, lotion, bath bombs, body soap, chamomile tea and things like that,” said Smith.
The center is rounding out it’s Mental Health Awareness month with a Mental Health Equity Through Art event from 3 to 5:00 p.m. May 31 at the community garden, 2733 Wyandotte Ave. During this event, attendees will get the opportunity to paint flower pots to take home and plant to flowers in the garden.
“Gardening is good for mental health. It gives you time to think, bend and stretch. Doing something in the garden is just good for your mental health,” said Smith.
The center is also hosting a series of Facebook live Soul Sessions from 5 to 6 p.m. focusing on mental health. The dates and topics for these live presentations are: May 17, “Effects of Drugs on Mental Health;” May 24, “Men’s Mental Health;” and May 31, “Mental Health for Children.”
All AAFCC Mental Health Awareness Month are free and open to the public. For more information call 530-532-1205 of visit the center’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/aafccoroville