Each year, the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) offers Reframe Your Brain, a county-wide poster contest meant to combat mental health stigma. The Eureka Community Resource Center (CRC), an outreach program of St. Joseph Health – Humboldt County, held a Reframe Your Brain activity on March 21st, to help reduce barriers to those wanting to participate in the opportunity to share their mental health message.
“I was excited to provide all the art supplies needed: paper, canvas, markers paints, pastels, colored pencils, etc.”, says Resource Coordinator, Brian Olson. “Our budget philosophy grant made this possible, as well as over $300 in donated supplies by local businesses. In addition, volunteers with special interest in mental health and the arts and a partnership with DHHS Public Health’s Stigma Reduction Program made this event a huge success”, stated Olson.
Approximately 25 low-income community members participated in the event, which allowed their voices to be heard through their artwork. “The activity provide an opportunity for us to speak about our own specific mental health issues through artwork”, said Cecilia Langan, participant at the event and client of the Eureka CRC.
“Mental wellness refers to the ability to co-exist with others”, explained participant, Richard Hernandez. “People with mental health illnesses sometime require space from others”.
The Reframe Your Brain poster contest is part of the many activities planned for May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The deadline to submit your entry for the poster contest is April 20. For more information on the Reframe Your Poster Contest, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reframeyour-brain-poster-contest-call-for-entries-registration-42806632791?aff=es2
St. Joseph Health – Humboldt County is a partner in May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Several hospital sponsored events are upcoming. Keep a look out for more information and a full May is Mental Health Month calendar of events in an upcoming edition of the Huddle!