Celebrate Mental Health Month with Film Screening & Poetry Slam
May is Mental Health Month and as the world struggles to cope with COVID-19, it has never been more important. To raise awareness about the importance of mental health to … Continue reading “Celebrate Mental Health Month with Film Screening & Poetry Slam”
May is Mental Health Month and as the world struggles to cope with COVID-19, it has never been more important. To raise awareness about the importance of mental health to our overall health and well-being, a film screening/ panel discussion and virtual poetry slam are planned.
Join us for a Film Screening and Community Discussion
On Tuesday, May 26th from 7:00-8:00 pm an online film screening of the documentary Beyond Silence is scheduled. The film tells the stories of the resilience of three individuals. Following the film, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Director Susan Orban will facilitate a panel discussion with
- Rebecca Fitzgerald, Chariho Youth Task Force,
- Erin Goodman, Washington County Zero Suicide Program, and
- Allison Landis, AmeriCorps – Mental Health Alliance
to get reactions and share other stories of hope and recovery. The film screening and discussion will occur via ZOOM. To register for the event Click Here
Calling All Poets to Create, Share, Shine!
A Virtual Poetry Slam is planned for Thursday, May 28th from 7:00-8:00 pm. Local poets are invited to create and share poems with mental health & wellness themes and an emphasis on hope. Poets need to upload their poems via this: Google Form by Friday, May 22nd. Selected poets will present their poems at the Slam conducted via ZOOM. To register to attend the slam, click here to Register. RI Poet Laureates past and present, as well as local poets, will be participating.
“Typically, 1 in 5 people struggle with a mental health condition each year,” said Orban. “Given the current pandemic, more people than ever before are facing mental health stressors,” she added. “Help shine a light on why mental health matters and what we all can do to foster resilience,” she said, by participating in these thought-provoking events.
The community awareness events are being organized by Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds of Washington County, Chariho Youth Task Force, and the Washington County Coalition for Children.
About the Event Organizers
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Washington County Rhode Island (HBHMWCRI)
Since 2015, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Washington County (HBHM), the region’s Health Equity Zone (HEZ), has been working to advance the health and well-being of Washington County residents through collective community action. Through HBHM, both hospitals, all 5 community health centers, the community mental health organization, the community action agency, URI, all 9 municipalities, all 7 school districts, both YMCAs and many other community stakeholders are working together in unprecedented ways to address the region’s health disparities and identify chronic disease and behavioral health issues.
Chariho Youth Task Force
Chariho Youth Task Force is an organization made up of youth advocates, community members, parents, faith-based leaders, first responders, and more!
Every day we strive to EDUCATE. EMPOWER. ENGAGE. to create a healthier community.
Washington County Coalition for Children
The Washington County Coalition for Children brings together everyone in Washington County who cares about children. Comprised of area health and social service providers, community leaders, parents, and concerned residents, the Coalition is the region’s child advocacy organization, working to ensure that all children in Washington County thrive.
