Mayor, Mental Health Experts Kick Off Mental Health Awareness Month

NEW HAVEN, CT — Mayor Justin Elicker and mental health professionals and advocates kicked off National Mental Health Awareness Month with a news briefing with community partners and representatives from the city’s Office of Community Mental Health Initiatives and New Haven Public Schools.

Described as being part of the city’s "ongoing efforts to encourage and aid residents in taking care of their mental health and wellness," officials shared strategies, tools, and tips for individuals to support and prioritize their own mental health. Also shared were additional resources and services available to those experiencing a mental health crisis. Those include a new resource guide, 'Dimensions of Wellness.,' to serve as a helpful conversation guide and action plan for residents on their journey to improve mental health and wellness.

In addition, to celebrate the "themes of hope and healing," a new art exhibit, 'Healing Through Art,' featuring artists from Fellowship Place, will be unveiled and on display throughout the month on the first floor of City Hall.

Gathered leaders were Lorena Mitchell, LCSW MPH, Coordinator for the Office of Community Mental Health Initiatives, City of New Haven; Johanna Samberg-Champion, MSW, Supervisor of Social Work and Special Education, New Haven Public Schools; Daena Murphy, LCSW ADS, Program Director -- Recovery and Wellness Center, Cornell Scott Hill Health Center; Kevnesha Boyd, LPC, CEO & Mental Health Consultant, Quality Counseling; Mary Guerrera, LCSW, Executive Director, Fellowship Place; and Joanna Stewart, Artist, Fellowship Place.

Each year, one in five adults experience a mental illness and 1 in 6 youth experience a mental health disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the majority of individuals will experience a mental health crisis over the course of their lifetime.

Residents can learn more at newhavenct.gov/mentalhealth. Individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress can call, text or chat with a mental health crisis counselor 24/7/365 at the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 988lifeline.org.