Attendees dressed in green for the mental health awareness parade down West Green Street in Nanticoke during Northeast Counseling Services’ fifth annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness.
Sydney Allabaugh | Times Leader
An attendee holds a sign that says, ‘You matter,’ during Northeast Counseling Services’ fifth annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness.
Sydney Allabaugh | Times Leader
Dozens of attendees parade down West Green Street in Nanticoke during Northeast Counseling Services’ fifth annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness.
Sydney Allabaugh | Times Leader
Will Southard and Quasir Jones pose during the Walk for Mental Health Awareness.
Sydney Allabaugh | Times Leader
Dozens of attendees line up for free cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and cupcakes.
Sydney Allabaugh | Times Leader
Event volunteers give out free cheeseburgers.
Sydney Allabaugh | Times Leader
Jade Williams, 8, and Malani Williams, 10, make sand art.
Sydney Allabaugh | Times Leader
NANTICOKE — Northeast Counseling Services hosted its fifth annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness on Friday, bringing community members together to reduce the stigma and promote hope for recovery during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Dozens of attendees dressed in green, the official color of mental health awareness, and displayed signs that said “You are worth it” and “Mental health matters.”
Attendees said the event fosters connections among those facing mental health challenges.
Quasir Jones said he came to support the cause and to show others they’re not alone.
“And then show them that you can get through the day,” Will Southard said, noting his own experiences with mental health struggles. “It takes a person that’s been through that to help somebody.”
The 0.7-mile walk began at noon at Northeast Counseling Services, 109 W. Green St., and ended at Patriot Square, where the several dozen attendees gathered for free food, activities, and prizes donated by organization members and community partners.
“We just want to have a fun day for the members of the community that belong to Northeast Counseling and also just the general community itself,” said Nicole Boback, Northeast Counseling Services’ Assertive Community Treatment team director, who organized the event with Executive Secretary Michelle Merino.
In addition to the fun activities, including raffle baskets, ring toss, face painting, music, crafts, and treats, about a dozen behavioral health providers and organizations set up tables to promote resources and recovery services.
It also promotes Northeast Counseling Services, which offers mental and behavioral health services to Luzerne County residents with diverse needs. The nonprofit organization has facilities in Nanticoke and Hazleton.
“We have a lot of resources, other providers that are here,” said Malory Kulick, chief operations officer at Northeast Counseling Services. “It’s really, again, just about educating the community that if you need help, there’s help out there.”