The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative is proud to announce its support for Mental Health Awareness Month in May. This annual event is a time to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and promote the need for access to mental health resources and services. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness. Unfortunately, many people suffer in silence due to stigma. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to break the silence and encourage individuals to seek help and support.
“We have come a long way in the discussion of mental health in recent years, but we still have a long way to go.” Said Jami Haberl, Executive Director of the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative. “Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to start conversations in your workplace, community, household and beyond about the reality of mental illness, and how to best support each other to end stigma.”
Mental health is an essential part of overall health, and it is crucial to create a supportive and safe environment for those who struggle with mental health issues. Throughout the month, the Healthiest State Initiative will be engaging in activities and events to raise awareness of mental health issues, including:
The launch of the annual Mental Health Awareness Month toolkit for workplaces and individuals.
Collaboration with local organizations and companies like the Des Moines Menace, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Des Moines Music Coalition to promote mental health events and resources.
Sharing mental health resources and information on our website and social media platforms.
Encouraging open and honest conversations about mental health through various campaigns.
We invite everyone to join us in our efforts to promote mental health awareness and encourage support for those struggling with mental health issues. Let’s work together to break the silence and create a community that prioritizes mental health.
For more information on our Mental Health Awareness Month activities and events, please visit the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s website at www.iowahealthieststate.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
MAKE IT OK EVENTS IN MAY (Learn more at IowaHealthiestState.com/Calendar):
May 13 – Make It OK Night with the Des Moines MenaceGame begins at 7:00 p.m. at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines
May 15 – Make It OK Presentation (Virtual) 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost is free, but pre-registration required.
May 18 – Wear Green for Make It OKShow your support for Mental Health Awareness Month by wearing your favorite green shirt, pants or other apparel! Share a photo with #MakeItOK on social media to let your network know that you support Make It OK and ending the stigma.
May 24 – Make It OK Ambassador Training1:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m.
Join over 1,000 registered Make It OK Ambassadors in spreading the Make It OK message in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities
May 1 — May 31 – Scavenger Hunt at the Greater Des Moines Botanical GardenCome and explore all the beautiful gardens the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden has to offer. Be on the lookout for a scavenger hunt for all ages.