JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene is spearheading a range of events and initiatives aimed at celebrating and amplifying awareness.
Themed "Where to Start" this month aims to inspire community engagement and promote mental well-being among all age groups, focusing on children during Children's Mental Health Acceptance Week.
County Executive Proclamation and Events Kick-Off - To mark the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month, County Executive PJ Wendel will officially proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month. The proclamation event will occur at State University of New York (SUNY) Jamestown Community College (JCC), 525 Falconer Street, Jamestown, NY 14702, on May 1st, 2024, at 5:20 p.m., setting the stage for supportive and educational activities throughout the county. A livestream will be provided on Chautauqua County’s YouTube page.
Suicide Prevention Campus Walk - As part of our partnership in a commitment to mental health, a Suicide Prevention Campus Walk is scheduled for May 1st at 5:00. Details can be found on the SUNY JCC website, www.sunyjcc.edu/event/suicide-prevention-campus-walk. This event underscores our joint dedication to preventing mental health crises and supporting those in need.
Children's Mental Health Acceptance Week - From May 5 to 11, the Department will highlight the importance of accepting and understanding children’s mental health. This recognition week is part of a broader initiative to foster an environment where children feel valued and supported. Community members are encouraged to participate in Wear Green Day on May 6 to show solidarity and raise awareness.
Art Contest: "Grow Through What You Go Through" - An Art Contest Titled "Grow Through What You Go Through" will run throughout May, with contest artwork forms available at our clinics in Dunkirk and Jamestown or online at chqgov.com/mental-hygiene/mental-health-awareness-month-2024. Submissions on provided forms will also be accepted at these locations through May 31, 2024. This contest is open to all residents of Chautauqua County and divided into three age categories: 0-12, 13-18, and 19 years and older. Six winners will be announced by the end of June, and they will receive prize packages. Their artwork will also be featured on social media, and inspiration cards will be distributed county-wide.
#MentalHealthRocksCHQ Project - In a creative outreach initiative, the Department encourages the community to paint and distribute kindness rocks. When found, these rocks can spread joy and foster a sense of community connection. QR code stickers for the rocks are available at our clinics for participation. Our clinics are located at 60 Franklin Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048, 200 East Third St, Fifth Floor, Jamestown, NY 14701, and 333 East Fifth Street, Jamestown, NY 14701. These QR codes assist with tracking the rock’s journey, with locations provided in the toolkit.
Engage and Share - Residents are invited to use the hashtags #EndTheStigma, #MHAM, #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, and #MentalHygieneCHQ to share their experiences and support on social media. Community members can contribute to a broader dialogue about mental health and the importance of early intervention and acceptance by participating in these activities.
About the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene - The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene strives to provide comprehensive mental health information and support that promote the mental well-being of our community. We believe in a collaborative approach to mental health care, involving the community in a supportive network.
For more information about Mental Health Awareness Month activities and how you can participate, please visit our website at chqgov.com/mental-hygiene/mental-health-awareness-month-2024 or our Facebook and Instagram pages @mentalhygienechq.
