• Eureka is hosting a town hall on May 4th to debunk myths about mental illness, featuring discussions with professionals and individuals with lived experience.
• The event emphasizes that people with mental illness are not inherently more violent and can lead successful lives.
• The city’s CARE team partners with law enforcement to respond to mental health crises, offering de-escalation and support.

The City of Eureka, in partnership with the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is hosting a community town hall on Sunday, May 4th, at the Wharfinger Building to address myths surrounding mental illness. The event will include panel discussions with local professionals and individuals with lived experiences. Keynote speaker Joseph Reid, founder of Broken People, will share his personal journey and insights.

• What: A community town hall event focused on debunking myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness.
• Who: Organized by the City of Eureka, Humboldt County DHHS, and NAMI. Key speakers include Joseph Reid and local mental health professionals from Crisis Alternative Response Eureka (CARE).
• When: Sunday, May 4th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: Wharfinger Building, 1 Marina Way in Eureka.

The town hall represents a proactive effort to combat stigma and promote understanding of mental illness within the Eureka community. By featuring both professionals and individuals with lived experience, the event aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the realities of mental health challenges. The CARE team's involvement highlights a growing trend of integrating mental health support into law enforcement responses, potentially reducing harm and improving outcomes for individuals in crisis. Joseph Reid's participation as a keynote speaker adds a personal and relatable element, reinforcing the message that recovery is possible.

One myth we hear a lot in our line of work at CARE is that people with mental illness are more violent than other people, and that’s just not true.

The upcoming town hall in Eureka is poised to be an important event for raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental illness. By bringing together professionals, individuals with lived experience, and community members, the event seeks to foster a more supportive and informed environment. The focus on debunking common myths and providing resources for support underscores the ongoing commitment to improving mental health outcomes in the region.