This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
The Centre County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month during a meeting with Marisa Vicere, president and founder of the Jana Marie Foundation.
“It’s an important month to recognize that we’re all on the spectrum when it comes to mental health and at times, we all need to find that courage and vulnerability to reach out for help,” Vicere said.
Vicere outlined several events planned across Centre County to mark the month, which started with a kickoff party on Thursday at Wasson Farm hosted by Opportunity Centre Clubhouse and Skills of Central PA.
The Jana Marie Foundation will host JAM Fest on Saturday, May 17, from noon to 5 p.m. The free event will take place along South Fraser Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza in State College and will feature more than 25 engagement stations offering art, music and creative activities to raise mental health awareness. Activities will include bracelet and necklace making, kazoo crafting and flower planting, along with art and music.
Axemann Brewery will host a benefit event for the Jana Marie Foundation on Monday, May 19, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature comedy by Tommy Lamotta, music by Eric Ian Farmer and dinner will be provided by Sysco. The event is open to those 21 and over.
Additionally, the Jana Marie Foundation will offer a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training on Wednesday, May 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The training is designed to help parents, family members and community members support adolescents experiencing mental health challenges.
Vicere also showcased artwork that will be displayed in downtown State College businesses throughout May. This year’s theme centers on snails, symbolizing that “we grow at our own pace.” The organization partners with local artists to display the artwork and has information regarding mental health awareness and resources that may be accessed using a QR code.
“Life is a journey, and we want to remember that we all go at our pace on that journey and that we can all reach out to help and support one another,” Vicere said.
The commissioners praised the Jana Marie Foundation and other local nonprofit organizations for their work. “We’d like to thank the community for their generous support of the roughly 300 nonprofits in Centre County,” Commissioner Mark Higgins said.
Commissioner Amber Concepcion emphasized the importance of public events in reducing stigma around mental health.
“Events like JAM Fest make this issue much more visible in our community and help break down the stigma, encouraging people to talk about these issues with their loved ones and across the community in a more public way,” Concepcion said.
She also noted the availability of mental health resources through organizations such as the Jana Marie Foundation and Centre County’s mental health services.
“There are resources available. Jana Marie is one of those resources. County Mental Health is a place that can connect people in need to counseling and therapy providers for a wide variety of mental health needs.”
For more information about the Jana Marie Foundation and a full list of upcoming events, visit janamariefoundation.org.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for free, confidential help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
