To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, many consumers and community members gathered at the steps of the Saline County Courthouse to release hundreds of balloons and hear stories of recovery.
Benton Mayor David Mattingly, Lt. Kevin Russell of the Benton Police Department and Birch Tree CEO, Jack Keathley were among the speakers presenting messages of hope. Before the release, a member from Birch Tree presented an original poem of how we are all the same. The event is a first for Birch Tree and we hope to make this an annual event. It is a chance to say that if you have a mental illness you are not alone. Also, recovery is possible. We see it every single day.
Thanks to all who attended and continue to spread positive words and work to reduce stigma!
Check out a few stories about the event:
http://bentonproud.com/mental-health-awareness-month-celebrated/#comments
http://www.mysaline.com/profiles/blogs/mental-health-awareness-balloons
