ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Community members gathered Saturday evening for the first Mental Health Met Gala in the region.
Organizers say the gala was created to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health while celebrating healing and support. It also encouraged conversations about mental health and connected people with local resources.
“Sometimes people feel uncomfortable talking about mental health. They feel inspired to hear conversations about mental health,” said mental health advocate Merces Joyner.
According to organizers, nearly 30% of people served by the Winnebago County Mental Health Board are Black, compared to nearly 52% of white residents, highlighting the need for greater awareness and access to resources.
Licensed professional counselor Kevin Thomas said the event focused on changing the way people view mental health struggles.
“When we talk about mental health, people think we should be sad. We think we should be just trying to get by. Well, guess what? We can celebrate life as well. Tonight we’re celebrating healing, hope,” Thomas said.
Organizers hope the gala becomes an annual event and continues bringing people together around mental health awareness and support.
Thomas is with State of the Mind, a nonprofit organization which put on Saturday’s gala. He says they train advocates on mental health through community, family and school support.
State of the Mind Institute also launched of the Breaking the Silence Scholarship. This represents a bold step toward breaking the silence around mental health and investing in the next generation of advocates and leaders.
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