Improved Mental Health A Major Goal In Norwalk

NORWALK — Stressful times call for definitive measures, especially as they pertain to mental health, a growing bugaboo that is garnering attention nationally and locally.

On Thursday, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling issued a proclamation designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month in the Fairfield County city.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, community leaders organized the NorWALK Mental Health event on Saturday, May 21.
It will take place on the Norwalk Green, 8 Park St., from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Center to the event is a 1.5-mile walk as well as various activities and booths promoting good mental health.

The event aims to spread awareness on how community members can access mental health resources and combat the stigma around mental health.
There will be activity booths, speakers, prizes, live music and art throughout the day, including "paint your art out."

Clinicians will also be offering free wellness screenings at the "check-up from the neck up" booth and be available to answer mental health questions.

"Similar to national trends and from our local data, we know that Norwalk young people and adults are experiencing more anxiety and feelings of depression," said Denique Weidema-Lewis, director of equity and collaboration action at Norwalk ACTS.
"The walk and wellness fair is an opportunity to connect the community to impactful local resources and to have more dialogue on how to increase and maintain good mental health. The Social Emotional Initiative of Norwalk ACTS and The Norwalk Partnership encourages the community to participate in free activities and training that are happening throughout the community all month long."

In promoting the event and mental health, the mayor was joined by State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk; Dr. Thomas McBryde, Norwalk Deputy Superintendent of Excellence, Equity and Inclusion; Weidema-Lewis; and Katie Gallo, a Norwalk resident and mental health advocate who shared her personal mental health journey.

Together, city, state and community leaders sent a strong message to Norwalkers experiencing mental health challenges, providing the community with insight on how to access mental health resources locally.

Most recently, the city made funding for mental health services one of its top priorities when distributing grant funds to local nonprofit organizations using federal money from the American Rescue Plan Act.

A significant amount of the $ 1.5-million American Rescue Plan Act funding will directly help Norwalk residents with critical mental health needs.

"I want everyone in our community to know that they are not alone and that their mental health matters," said Rilling. "Too many of our youth and members of our community are struggling with mental health issues exacerbated by the pandemic. In Norwalk, I'm proud that we have prioritized mental health services through federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act."

The state Legislature also made mental health a priority this session, especially among children.
It passed three bills approving hundreds of millions of dollars to fund services that will increase the number of mental health providers across the state, as well as increase school-based health centers.

"The pandemic turned cracks in our mental health system into a full blown crisis, especially for so many young people," said Duff.

In 2021, data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed more than a third of high school students reported experiencing poor mental health during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Similarly, a study conducted by The Norwalk Partnership in 2021 found nearly 40 percent of middle- and high school-age students reported experiencing depression.

"We are pleased to join in today's efforts to shine a light on the importance of mental health awareness and care," said McBryde. "At Norwalk Public Schools, we are committed to providing our students, staff and families with the support they need to navigate challenging times. Across the district, we have developed programs to promote positive school climates, including mindfulness training, mentorship opportunities and much more."

Gallo shared her own personal battle with mental health issues.

"By sharing my personal story, I want to give hope to others who may be struggling with their mental health and let them know it's ok to ask for help," said Gallo. "I also want to chip away at the stigma that still exists and prevents so many people from seeking the treatment they need. The stereotypical portrayal of mental illness in the movies and on television is not reality."

For information on the mental health event in Norwalk, visit this link.