JOPLIN, Mo. — An event that hasn’t been seen in Joplin since before the COVID-19 pandemic makes its triumphant return.
The Ozark Center Will’s Place Block Party was back in action this evening for the first time since 2019. It’s celebrating May as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month and highlights the beneficial services at the facility.
Mercy Park was filled with games and activities, interactive booths, and some free food. The entirely free event is also meant to help families and children feel supported on their mental health journeys.
“It is something that is very prevalent in our community, in our society today. And it doesn’t have to have this crazy stigma on it. There’s treatment available and there are things that we can do to make it better,” said speaker Keenan Cortez.
“We really hope that families can connect and really have those conversations. If we have even just one person today asking about, ‘How can we support them?’ and ‘What are the next steps?’ then this is a success. The more that we’re having these discussions and talking about mental health, we’re reducing that stigma,” said Melissa Moore, Director of Will’s Place.
Will’s Place offers behavioral health services from birth to age 25. We’ll have information on how you can get connected with the facility HERE or dial (417) 347-7580.
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