One in four Central Valley residents requires treatment for a serious mental illness, or someone in their life requires treatment, and the problem is divided among racial and socio-economic groups in the region. This is a cross-over issue.
This May, California and Valley communities will raise awareness about the resources available to those in need as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.
Organizations in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties are planning a number of events to make services available to the public.
A study released in April by the nonprofit California Healthcare Foundation showed a strong need for mental health resources across the Valley.
Broken down by survey participant responses, the results were similar among Latinos (22%) and whites (30%), as well as among people living below the poverty line (25%) and other populations. , showed that similar levels of mental health treatment need exist. group.
May 1: Stockton Light the Path Campus Walk – Stanislaus State Stockton Campus is hosting a walk to raise awareness about suicide prevention. The event is scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. and will be held at University Park Rose Garden, 612 East Magnolia St., Stockton.
May 4: Southeast Asia Spiritual Awareness Day – Merced Lao Family Community, Inc. celebrates its 14th annual event with cultural exhibits, resource tables, music and more. The event is scheduled for 1748 Miles Court in Merced from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
May 7th and 14th: Everyday Zen Yoga – Stanislaus State Turlock’s main campus offers specialized trauma-related yoga taught by Susan Blum, a licensed professional clinical counselor. The event will be held from 3:00pm to 4:00pm at the Student Fitness Center 007 – Rec Court located at Her One University Circle in Turlock.
May 9th-10th: Everyone’s Health Fair – The Community Health Center is hosting a health fair in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health’s medical research project All of Us. The event will include tables from San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services and CMC’s Community Support, Substance Abuse, Mobile Crisis Team and other mental health resources. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the CMC Dorothy L. Jones Center, 2044 Fair St., Stockton.
May 16: Mental health awareness event – The Santanella Fire Department and other community organizations organized events for area families. The event is scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 29190 W Centinella Ave, Gustine.
May 18: Stockton Community Health Fair – Sankofa Holistic Therapy will host events at its new Stockton office. The fair will feature children’s activities, free food, vendor booths, and other mental and health care resources. The event is scheduled for 1-5 p.m. and is located at 1341 West Robinhood Drive, Stockton.
May 22: Mental health support event – Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services will host its annual Mental Health Awareness Month event with representatives from various programs in attendance. The event will be held at 301 E. 13th St, Merced from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
If you are experiencing a mental health issue and would like someone to talk to, services are available 24/7 through Central Valley County Behavioral Health Services agencies and national organizations.
For San Joaquin County, call: 888-468-9370
In Stanislaus County, call: 888-376-6246
For Merced County, call: 209-381-6819
If you are in crisis and need help, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 988 anytime.
marike roland is a senior health equity reporter. Central Valley Journalism Collaborativeis a nonprofit newsroom that publishes . merced focusin collaboration with California Healthcare Foundation (CHCF).
