Three Behavioral Health Listening Sessions and Community Events Highlight Mental Health Awareness This May
May 1, 2023 1:44 PM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Throughout May, the City of Santa Monica will focus on raising awareness about behavioral health issues – including mental health and substance use challenges, life stressors, and crises – through a series of free community events and activities. This is an opportunity to increase understanding of and destigmatize conversations about behavioral health and elevate local resources that support diverse paths to prevention and recovery for all.
This year’s events align with the City’s efforts to obtain comprehensive community feedback on a local Behavioral Health strategy. In addition to an online public survey, Initium Health will be facilitating the following series of in-person Future of Behavioral Health Ideas Exchange events, where community members will have the opportunity to discuss solutions to local mental health and substance use issues with experts:
- May 17, 2023, at Annenberg Community Beach House from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- May 18, 2023, at Main Library from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- May 18, 2023, at Virginia Avenue Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“Taking a comprehensive view of the City’s current and future behavioral health needs is integral to ensuring a healthy and thriving Santa Monica,” says Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis. “I look forward to the outcomes of the community discussions and advancing our city’s behavioral health strategy.”
For more information on the Ideas Exchange event series, visit santamonica.gov/future-of-behavioral-health.
Mental Health Awareness Month event highlights include:
- May 9, 2023 - Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation: City Council will present a proclamation to members of the Disabilities Commission proclaiming May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
- May 21, 2023 – Kidical Mass Family Bike Ride at Clover Park: A family-friendly bike ride for all ages with community partners offering information and activities focused on mental health and wellness.
- May 21, 2023 – Day of Art and Wellness at Annenberg Community Beach House: A day of creation and contemplation focused on well-being, health, and healing. This free event features communal artmaking, workshops, labyrinth walks and meditation for adults, kids, and families led by cutting-edge community-based artists, performers, spiritualists, and mental health advocates.
For the full list of Mental Health Awareness Month events, activities, and community resources in Santa Monica, visit santamonica.gov/blog/may-is-mental-health-awareness-month.
Media Contact
Tati Simonian
Public Information Officer
Tati.Simonian@santamonica.gov