DARLINGTON — Mental Health Matters of Lafayette County has announced its fourth annual Mental Health Matters Week hosted countrywide from Aug. 2 to Aug. 7.
Mental Health Matters of Lafayette County is a nonprofit organization comprised of community members that have a shared focus on educating others, advocating for individuals in need of support and guidance, reducing the stigma of mental illness and connecting individuals with mental health resources in their communities and surrounding counties.
Their group is a subcommittee of the greater Southwest Wisconsin Behavioral Health Partnership, which is a component of the Southwest Wisconsin Community Action Program.
SWCAP is one of 10 community coalitions in Wisconsin participating in the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program’s Strategic Initiative to improve behavioral health.
Their group is made up of anyone who shares in their belief that as a community they need to do everything they can to combat stigma associated with mental health issues and raise awareness about services available to those experiencing mental health challenges. This encompasses a wide variety of community organizations and private citizens, including public health officials, schools and educational institutions, religious organizations, public libraries, family advocates, human services, Veteran’s services, law enforcement and court services, businesses and more.
The purpose of the upcoming Mental Health Week is to devote a week to educating all community members, including children, on why mental health matters, resources available and the importance of working together to reduce the stigma and support mental health needs in their individual communities.
Throughout the week there will be numerous activities intended to share information about mental health, reduce stigma and provide opportunities for self-care and connection. This year due to COVID-19 all of their activities will allow for and encourage social distancing.
Aug. 2:
● Extinguishing Stigma Fire Truck Parade, 3 p.m., Darlington, view the parade from your porch or your car
Aug. 3:
● Share a photo representing positive ways you support your mental health and post on social media with the hashtag #MHMLafCo. Everyone is welcome to participate. Let’s normalize talking about mental health in order to reduce stigma!
● Kids yoga in the park, 5:30 p.m., Library Park, 627 Main St., Darlington. Bring water and a mat or blanket!
Aug. 4:
● QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training, zoom virtual training, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sign up at: https://form.jotform.com/201886938025059.
Aug. 5:
● Don’t Mask Your Emotions: Roger Reynolds Facebook Live event, 2 p.m. Find the event on their Facebook page @MHMLafayetteCo. Topics include isolation, worry, added pressures, navigating differing viewpoints and other stressors.
● Adult yoga in the park, 7 p.m., Badger Mine and Museum, 279 W. Estey St., Shullsburg. Bring water and a blanket or yoga mat.
Aug. 6:
● Kids yoga in the park, 4 p.m., Legion Park, 14567 Wisconsin 78, Argyle. Wear comfortable clothes, bring water and a blanket or yoga mat.
● Darlington police drive-through brat feed and music by Tom Black, 5 to 7 p.m., gazebo at the Festival Grounds, next to Casey’s along the river.
For more information contact Candi Fitzsimons at Johnson Public Library, 608-776-4171, Darlington Police Chief Jason King, 608-776-4981 or SWCAP Representative Bridget Mouchon-Humphrey, 608-341-6608.
