The City of Birmingham 3rd Annual Mental Health Day

On Friday, July 12th, the City of Birmingham will join community partners to present Mental Health Awareness Day in Linn Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Attendees will be able to engage with experts and discuss mental health, which is a topic many people are often reluctant to address.

This year will be the third year Crystal Mullen-Johnson, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Nurture Alabama, has co-hosted the event with the City of Birmingham to help dismantle the stigma around mental health.

“Minority Mental Health Awareness Month" is recognized nationally in May, which is a valuable opportunity to unite with others who share a common goal: to engage in open discussions about mental health and to provide support to those in need,’’ Mullen-Johnson said.

Attendees will have access to mental health resources; enjoy local food trucks and a DJ; have a free depression screening; experience free massages, line dancing and other exercises; register for door prizes; and learn more about combating domestic violence. 

Sometimes, when people are going through a difficult time, they would just appreciate a supportive conversation to discuss their hurt or pain, Mullen-Johnson said. But there are times when a friend, co-worker or relative on the receiving end does not know how to respond. Experts will be available to direct people on how to get help for themselves or others, she said.

Speakers on the stage will include:

• Alexandria Means, a domestic violence expert, 10:10 a.m.
• Beverly Johnson from the Alabama Department of Mental Health, 10:25 a.m.
• Mayor Randall L. Woodfin 10:55 a.m.
• Dr. Hernando Carter, a general practitioner, 12 p.m.

Some of the interactive sessions will include:

• Activities for adults from the City’s Park and Recreation Department, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Depression screenings with Cherie May Edwards, a licensed professional counselor,  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Mental health consultations with Lauren Packer, an associate licensed counselor, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Chair massages from Adrian Ward and Paisley Burgess 10 a.m-2 p.m.
• Line dancing 11 a.m.
• Yoga therapist Jamella Strode leads session on how breathing techniques can help improve responses to trauma triggers, 12:30 p.m.
• A low impact sculpt class with fitness instructor April Mack, 1 p.m.
• Blook Pressure Checks , 10 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 

In order for Birmingham to thrive, Nurture of Alabama believes that it is critical to address the mental health crisis in our own city. Through this event, our goals are to reach historically marginalized communities in order to 1) remove the stigma of mental health support, 2) improve accessibility, and 3) provide community education on mental health & wellness.

1. Address the Stigma of Mental Health Support
2. Linking Community to Accessible & Affordable Mental Health Services
3. Providing Community Education on Mental Health & Wellness

There will be chair massages, a licensed professional counselor providing depression screenings, speakers,  free resources, giveaways, local food trucks,  yoga sessions, line dancing, blood pressure checks and more.