West NY News

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene is spearheading a range of events and initiatives aimed at celebrating and amplifying awareness.

County Executive PJ Wendel will officially proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month, stating, "Where to Start." This proclamation event will occur at State University of New York (SUNY) Jamestown Community College on May 1st, 2024, setting the stage for supportive and educational activities throughout the county.

As part of the month-long observance, an Art Contest titled "Grow Through What You Go Through" will run throughout May. The contest, open to all residents of Chautauqua County, is divided into three age categories: 0-12, 13-18, and 19 years and older. Six winners will be announced by the end of June, with their artwork featured on social media and inspiration cards distributed county-wide.

Encouraging community engagement, the Department has also launched the #MentalHealthRocksCHQ project, where residents are invited to paint and distribute kindness rocks. These rocks, when found, aim to spread joy and foster a sense of community connection. QR code stickers for the rocks are available at specified clinics to track the rock’s journey.

The Department emphasizes the importance of community involvement, stating, "We believe in a collaborative approach to mental health care, involving the community in a supportive network."

Residents are encouraged to participate in various activities throughout the month, including Wear Green Day on May 6 to show solidarity and raise awareness for Children's Mental Health Acceptance Week.

To further engage with the community, residents are invited to use hashtags such as #EndTheStigma, #MHAM, #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, and #MentalHygieneCHQ on social media to share their experiences and support a broader dialogue about mental health and the importance of early intervention and acceptance.

For more information about Mental Health Awareness Month activities and how to participate, visit the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene's website or their social media pages.