In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, observed nationally every May, the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board is expanding its outreach beyond traditional services to bring messages of hope, support and connection directly into the community.
As part of this year’s theme, “More Good Days, Together,” the organization has launched a countywide awareness campaign featuring coffee cup sleeves and restaurant drink coasters designed to spark conversations about mental health in everyday moments.
Whether residents are grabbing morning coffee or sitting down for an evening meal, the simple yet significant touchpoints serve as reminders that mental health matters — and that help is close by, officials noted.
Coffee sleeves feature the message “Breathe. Sip. Reset.”, encouraging individuals to pause, be present and take a moment to care for their mental well-being.
Participating locations across Lake County include:
• 1922 Coffee and Brew, Painesville Township
• Ana’s Attic, Painesville
• Biggy Coffee, Perry
• Blu Bee, Painesville Township
• Calico Jack, Mentor
• Couchland Coffee House, Wickliffe
• Open Door, Madison
ADAMHS Board Director of Marketing and Communications David Schick emphasized that the campaign is about meeting people where they are.
“We want to ensure people know that support is available, often right here in their own communities,” he said. “The reality is that one in five adults will experience a mental health condition each year. That means this isn’t someone else’s issue — it’s all of ours.
“We all know what a good day feels like, and we all know how hard those days can be to come by, especially when someone is struggling.”
In addition to the outreach effort, the ADAMHS Board continues to offer and coordinate a full range of mental health and substance use disorder services through its network of local providers.
“The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress, it’s making sure more people in Lake County have access to the care they need to experience (those) good days,” Schick added. “And we’re committed to making that happen through prevention and early intervention….early help leads to better outcomes.”
Residents are encouraged to take a moment to start a conversation and reach out for support if needed.
“Mental health impacts every family and every neighborhood in Lake County,” said Lake County Commissioner Morris Beverage III. “This campaign is a simple but powerful reminder that support is all around us, and that even small conversations can make a big difference.”
Commissioner John Plecnik noted that many of the board’s local providers offer little to no wait times for connecting residents with services to begin their paths forward.
Commissioner Morgan McIntosh believes the campaign’s elemental approach makes it meaningful.
“Real engagement, that’s how we reduce stigma and create more ‘good days’ for everyone in our community,” he said.
Mental Health America founded Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949 and has led the effort every year to promote mental wellness nationwide, in partnership with multiple agencies, affiliates, authorities and nonprofits.
For more information about available services or how to get connected to care, contact the Lake County ADAMHS Board Compass Line at 440-350-2000 or visit www.HelpThatWorks.us.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the Lake County Crisis Hotline at 440-953-TALK or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.