An annual initiative recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month will continue in Hall County with a special event Wednesday.
“Hall Goes Green” continues in its fourth year and aims to bring the community together to normalize mental health conversations and advocate for community members to prioritize their mental health. Supported through the United Way of Hall County’ One Hall Health Committee, the initiative sees businesses on Gainesville’s Green Street display green lighting and signage throughout the month to show support for mental health awareness. The green decor is provided through the Ryan Joiner Foundation.
The concept was created by One Hall Health committee member, Lauren Joiner Paul, who lost her brother to suicide in 2022. Paul found healing while running along Gainesville’s Green Street, where she and her brother once trained together for half-marathons. During one of those runs, she envisioned the whole street illuminated in green as a visual symbol of support and awareness. Paul is a licensed master social worker, NAMI Hall steering committee chair, and board president of the Ryan Joiner Foundation.
Now, over 40 businesses participate in the annual initiative.
“Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s Community Health Needs Assessment continues to identify mental and behavioral health as one of our community’s greatest health needs,” said Adam Raulerson, One Hall Health committee chair. “Through One Hall Health, we are working to help Hall County be mentally healthier, whether that’s through raising awareness of the services available and how to access them, or equipping community members with tools to support their own and others’ mental well-being. This work is critical because our mental health affects every aspect of our lives.”
As a part of the initiative, the organization will be holding a Mental Health Walk Wednesday, May 20th, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Community members will meet at First Baptist Church Gainesville, located at 751 Green Street, to walk and raise awareness for mental health.
In addition to the walk, community members are encouraged to show their support by wearing green clothing or ribbons.
“Your mental health matters, and taking time to care for yourself and others can make a real difference,” Raulerson said. “It doesn’t have to be complicated. Going for a walk, texting a friend, getting outside, or taking a few minutes to breathe can have a meaningful impact. While Mental Health Awareness Month shines a spotlight on these conversations, our hope is that people carry the message that their mental health matters year-round and remember to reach out and check in so no one in Hall County feels alone.”