SOUTH BEND, Ind.(WSBT) — Hundreds from the St. Joseph County community gathered at the Islamic Society of Michiana’s Community Hall in South Bend on Sunday to celebrate the community’s efforts to address mental health.
The event was led by the organization “We Make Indiana.”
Nearly 450 people registered and attended, with many county and city elected officials also in attendance to address the ongoing mental health crisis the community is facing.
Nearly 450 people registered and attended, with many county and city elected officials also in attendance to address the ongoing mental health crisis the community is facing (WSBT Photo).
Leaders from Oaklawn, a mental health clinic in South Bend, shared testimonies about how their work has been crucial in helping people who are struggling with their mental health and saving lives.
I am feeling really, really encouraged and hopeful for the future. As a teacher, I see kids in mental health struggle and I see the impact of when the adults in their lives suffer from mental health issues,” said South Bend Public School Teacher Emily Dean.
In 2025, Oaklawn crisis services received 4,500 calls to their crisis hotline, reaching 850 adults and youth across St. Joseph County.
Nearly 450 people registered and attended, with many county and city elected officials also in attendance to address the ongoing mental health crisis the community is facing (WSBT Photo).
Advocates said they’ve saved the county more than $1 million in hospitalizations and incarcerations through their crisis services work.
Mental health advocates called on local leaders to support funding for a community information platform that connects healthcare, EMS, law enforcement, mental health services, and other community organizations.
You have my full- fledged absolute, undying support to work with the rest of the council members to ensure that the opioid funding that we know is already there and available is directed for this purpose,” said St. Joseph County Council President (D) Bryan Tanner.
Advocates asked both the city of South Bend and St. Joseph County to each invest $50,000 into the communication platform called Julota.
Nearly 450 people registered and attended, with many county and city elected officials also in attendance to address the ongoing mental health crisis the community is facing (WSBT Photo).
South Bend First Northwest United Methodist Church Pastor Vickie Van Nevel says she is hopeful for the future.
I think it’s great that we have 450 people here this afternoon. It tells us that people are really interested and concerned about what’s going on with mental health crisis in our community,” said Van Nevel.
South Bend Mayor James Mueller said that he fully supports funding the mental health crisis platform.
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Mayor Mueller also said the next steps are to build bridges across party lines and to come together as a community to get this done.