MANSFIELD — Several partners of Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services have community events planned for May.
Sherry Branham-Fonner, executive director of the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, joined the Richland County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday to brief the three-member panel on upcoming activities.
Commissioners also proclaimed May as Mental Health Month.
The agencies putting on events are a part of the Richland Recovery Network, a digital tool aimed at streamlining the search for mental health and recovery resources.
“(We’re) so thankful for their partnerships and we want to make sure the community knows that these events are held by the agencies and that we support the events that they have and participate in any way we can,” Branham-Fonner said.
Free events and resources available
Community Action for Capable Youth will be distributing free Deterra medication deactivation pouches during the month of May. The pouches allow people to properly dispose of unwanted and/or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Pouches can be picked up at the CACY office, 1495 W. Longview Ave., Suite 104 in Mansfield, Branham-Fonner said.
CACY is also facilitating an interactive wall display activity at participating schools across the county for students and staff to write words of affirmation, motivational notes and self-care ideas to be displayed as wall art.
“It’s to help the youth build confidence and focus on that prevention area,” the executive director said of CACY’s interactive activity.
She also noted Catalyst Life Services’ Behavioral Health Urgent Care, which is open Mondays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 741 Scholl Road in Mansfield. It’s closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Also highlighted on the events calendar is a crisis helpline — facilitated by Catalyst — which is available 24/7, seven days a week by calling 419-522-HELP (4357).
“It’s a very active line,” Branham-Fonner said. “A lot of use.”
A local “warmline” is also available, which is a step down from the crisis helpline, she said.
Also available around the clock every day, the “warmline” is an option for those not in crisis, but have questions or concerns regarding mental health and want to talk to someone. The line can be reached by calling 419-522-5300.
(Below is a press release from the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, which includes a calendar of events for Mental Health Month.)
Resource fair, carnival, Peace on My Block
Richland County Youth and Family Council, in collaboration with NAMI Richland County, is hosting a parent education resource fair on May 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Richland Carrousel Park, 74 N. Main St. in Mansfield.
“That event is free and it offers fun and education for the family,” Branham-Fonner said.
Catalyst’s annual kids carnival will take place at 270 Sterkel Blvd. in Mansfield on May 13 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event is free, but attendees are asked, if able, to bring a donation of hygiene products.
On May 22, Mansfield City Schools, in collaboration with CACY, will present the annual Peace on My Block Community Fair from 5:15 to 9:30 p.m.
The event is open to all Mansfield children in preschool through 8th grade and their families at Arlin Field in Mansfield. Resource information, games, activities, food trucks and a DJ will be featured. Fireworks are planned for 9:30 p.m.
All minors must be accompanied by an adult to enter this event.
A full calendar of events can be accessed on the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services website.