Friday: Town, Schools Kick Off Ribbon-Tying Campaign for Mental Health

When Mayor Bill Hanauer sets up a sign outside village hall today at 4:30 p.m., Ossining will officially join 25 other communities in Westchester in a ribbon campaign for Mental Awareness Month.

Joining him will be Brookside Elementary School principal Ann Dealy.

"It's also Children's Mental Health Awareness Month, and I am passionate about that," she told Patch. "Next week, I will join students from Ossining High School's Interact Club in tying ribbons on lamposts around the village."

The campaign is part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Westchester, Inc. The organization aimes to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Their work involves education programs and advocacy campaigns.

NAMI Westchester is sponsoring a county-wide walk to raise awareness of mental illness. The event is May 18 in the town of Rye. Click here for more information and to register.