LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A sea of green filled the intersection of Spring and Main streets Monday afternoon as community members gathered to kick off Mental Health Awareness Month.
The Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties joined local partners to raise awareness and encourage conversations about mental health. Volunteers spent several hours handing out green T-shirts, green light bulbs and other promotional items to promote the cause.
Organizers are encouraging residents to wear green or display green lights throughout the month as a visible sign of support for those facing mental health challenges.
Executive Director Tammie Colon said the initiative helps break down barriers and start important conversations.
“Because mental health still has a stigma, but this is a really easy way for people to just say, ‘Hey, where'd you get that shirt?’ Being able to tell them where we got the shirt lets them know where they can go for resources if they need anything in the future. It gets conversation started that people may not have had on their own,” Colon said.
Colon added that statistics show one in five people will experience some form of mental health issue, underscoring the importance of outreach efforts. She said if even one person finds help as a result of the event, it is a success.
Officials encourage anyone seeking support or more information to contact the board for available mental health services in the region.
