First Annual Mental Health Fair, "State of Mind," Brings State-wide Resources to Meadowbrook Mall
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on September 05, 2019
The first annual “State of Mind” Mental Health Awareness Event will be held at Meadowbrook Mall on September 7 from noon to 5 p.m. The event is sponsored by Bridgeport High School DECA and the BHS Life League Suicide Prevention Program. Over 50 agencies will be participating in the event, along with area student organization and programs that service military personnel.
“State of Mind” was coordinated by a team dedicated to providing mental health resources to the area. The team includes Trina Runner, the BHS advisor for both DECA and Life League; Marissa Shanholtz, Crisis Case Worker with the Children’s Mobile Crisis Unit; Tim Craig, Program Lead for Childrens Mobile Crisis Unit; Robin Urquhart, Marketing Director of Meadowbrook Mall; Brandy Anderson, Assistant Marketing Director of Meadowbrook Mall and Swapna King, Community Relations Coordinator for Chestnut Ridge. ,
“After recognizing the scope of mental health issues affecting teens and adults in our area, we wanted to create an event that could provide resources to those in need,” said Trina Runner, coordinator of the event. “It is our goal to destigmatize mental health issues and provide a safe, healthy environment in which patrons can learn about these resources.”
Agencies participating cover areas such as addiction, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, child advocacy, therapy options, grief strategies, support groups, volunteer opportunities, mental health facilities, issues with homelessness, LGBTQ resources, domestic violence, mindfulness and suicide prevention.
At 22 minutes after each hour of the event, Dr. Don Cunanan will be inciting veterans and civilians to join him in doing 22 push-ups (or participating in the push-up count) signifying the number of veteran suicides per day.
Throughout the day, the main stage will feature performers whose talents help those with mental health issues. Local musician Greg Harrison will be performing as well as Shining Scars author, activist, beauty queen and actress Krystian Leonard. In Step Dance will be showcased in a special dance and will also be inviting the crowd to participate in a yoga demonstration.
Area artists, writers and photographers of all ages will be featured in the Mental Health Art Show, to be displayed throughout the mall. The Bards of Yellow Wood will be available to write free poetry and connect the benefits of writing with mental health and “State of Mind” merchandise will be available for purchase. The family-friendly event will have private on-site specialists for any serious mental health issues.
Additional inquiries regarding “State of Mind,” VENT teen support group, or Life League Suicide Prevention can be directed to trinarunner@gmail.com.
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