In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Riverside University Health System (RUHS)- Behavioral Health is observing Mental Health Awareness Month with a variety of family-friendly fairs throughout the county.
In an atmosphere of food, music, entertainment and games, the free events will take on the mental health awareness theme by making available local resources and services for behavioral health and wellness, Riverside County said in a news release. Each event will feature a variety of local mental health and wellness organizations with resources and information to tap into.
"At RUHS, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and we are proud to support Mental Health Month by hosting these events," Dr. Mathew Chang, the director of RUHS - Behavioral Health, said in the release.
Reducing the stigma often associated with mental health can come with increased awareness, according to Chang.
"By bringing together our county partners, local organizations and advocates, we can raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues," he said.
The first event was held on May 3 at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park. There are two additional dates to put on the calendar. On Thursday, May 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Central Park in Menifee will be the site of a second fair. The last event is set for Thursday, May 18, at Fairmount Park in Riverside during the hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Each festive event has been designed as a way for RUHS to show it stands behind Mental Health Month, Chang said.
Approximately one in five adults in the United States experiences some form of mental illness each, statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health reveal.
Those seeking further details about this county-based initiative are invited to visit the county website or call Mindy McFarland at 951-358-3586.