May 16th, 26th Health Anniversary Mental Health Action Dayis an annual campaign launched by MTV in 2021 that advocates not only for mental health but also for taking the necessary steps to improve it. The event, “26 Unplugged,” took place at the new À La Carte location on East Michigan Street. Guests were encouraged to use the time to unplug from their smart devices, take a break, and enjoy a delicious meal.
A small corner of the food hall offered a variety of freebies, including stress balls, lunch boxes, and cards with guided grounding techniques. At one table, guests were able to fill small glass jars with pre-prepared affirmations to take home and use daily.
(Provided by Howell Productions/26HEALTH)
“I am grateful for the love I give and receive,” one card said. “Thankful for the people who inspire and uplift me,” another said. Nearby, two posters were placed where visitors could write their own affirmations and feelings of gratitude. One bore a heartwarming sentiment in big green letters: “My life is worth living!”
“Gratitude is one of the main ways we deal with depression,” says Knakeesha Samuels, events manager at 26Health. “Instead of thinking about the negative, you think about what you have in your glass to be grateful for, so we thought it would be great to have people take this feeling home with them.”
26Health is a health equity nonprofit that aims to eliminate barriers to accessing healthcare often experienced by marginalized communities. Founded in 2011, the organization has expanded its reach by working primarily with members of the LGBTQ+ community. service It was introduced in recent years to cover the treatment of economically disadvantaged and uninsured patients of various nationalities.
“By striving to be a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, we inevitably become a resource for underserved communities in our neighborhoods and are proud to expand,” 26Health said in a statement. 26Health.org“That’s why we say, ‘Every letter counts.'”
