The Macomb County Mental Health Awareness Fair, hosted by Macomb Family Services Inc., will bring mind/body balance to Richmond.
The fair will be held in the auditorium at Richmond High School on February 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair is free and accessible to the public, with the goal of providing an engaging, family-friendly experience.
Katie Wylin works as the American Rescue Plan Act program coordinator at Macomb Family Services. She expects fairgoers to be more aware of the quantity and variety of mental health and associated services available in the county and beyond.
“We believe it’s critical to increase awareness about mental health challenges and resources,” Wylin added.
According to Wylin, this is the second Macomb County Mental Health Awareness Fair organized by Macomb Family Services. Shelby Township hosted the first fair in 2020.
“We’ve spoken about providing activities for youngsters and a coloring table. “We’re giving our customers free food and beverages,” Wylin explained.
Mental health and wellness groups from around Macomb County will be on hand to provide information on the programs and resources available to support mental health and behavior health, as well as drug use treatment and general wellbeing.
According to Joe Thayer, Macomb Family Services Prevention Director in Romeo, 30 or more groups will be represented. Wylin believes that the Macomb County Health Department and the Families Against Narcotics’ Hope Not Handcuffs program will be among the groups represented at the event.
“We’ve got a slew of various agencies coming from all around, including Wayne and a handful from Oakland County,” says the coordinator. “We’ll have door prizes to encourage folks to come in,” Wylin explained. “The majority of the rewards are gift cards to various companies in Richmond.”
Macomb Family Services Inc. has facilities in Clinton Township, Richmond and Romeo. The organization offers a wide range of services, including as substance addiction treatment and prevention, mental health care, and residential care. Counseling and evidence-based programming are available in the field of mental health. It provides residential assistance for individuals who are developmentally handicapped.
Macomb Family Services, according to Wylin, will not only provide information on clinical services and preventative initiatives, but it will also be searching for new members for the Northern Macomb Prevention Coalition.
“We’re basically looking for new members of the community, local business owners, parents, and individuals from various organizations,” Wylin explained.
Northern Macomb Prevention Coalition meets in Romeo and focuses on prevention, as well as reducing teenage substance misuse and suicide.
“We want to develop a stronger presence and raise awareness to topics like mental health, teen vaping, stuff like that. “We’re hoping that the turnout at the health fair will inspire people to join us and see what else we can do,” Wylin added.
Local gyms will also be present at the exhibition to discuss the importance of the mind-body link.
“We’ve asked someone to do some yoga with us. “It’s not only the mental, but also a lot of the bodily,” Thayer explained.
Thayer also expressed optimism that the fair will give resources for people of all ages.
“When it comes to mental health, I don’t believe there is a panacea. “The more materials we can give, the better we can help individuals or communities comprehend what can happen, regardless of age,” Thayer said.
Richmond High School is situated in Richmond at 35320 Division.
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