• Eureka is holding a town hall on May 4th at the Wharfinger Building to address mental health myths.
• The event features speakers, including Joseph Reid, and aims to reduce stigma and increase awareness.
• Local organizations are collaborating to provide resources and support for mental health in the community.

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 to raise awareness about mental health. The event, scheduled for May 4th at the Wharfinger Building, will feature panel discussions with local professionals and individuals with lived experience, aiming to debunk common myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness. Keynote speaker Joseph Reid, founder of Broken People, will share his experiences and insights on coping with mental health challenges. The town hall also includes the 'Mental Health Awareness Walk'.

• What: A community town hall and awareness walk focused on mental health, aiming to debunk myths, reduce stigma, and provide support.
• Who: City of Eureka, Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Crisis Alternative Response Eureka (CARE), Joseph Reid (Broken People), Eureka Police Department (EPD), Hope Center.
• When: Town Hall: Sunday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mental Health Awareness Walk: annual event
• Where: Town Hall: Wharfinger Building, 1 Marina Way, Eureka. Walk: Starts at the Hope Center on H Street, Eureka, and ends at the Humboldt County courthouse.

The town hall and awareness walk represent a concerted effort by Eureka and Humboldt County organizations to address mental health stigma and provide resources to the community. The involvement of local professionals, individuals with lived experience, and law enforcement highlights a multi-faceted approach to mental health support. The focus on debunking myths and misconceptions is crucial in promoting understanding and encouraging those who need help to seek it. The CARE team's co-response initiative further demonstrates a proactive approach to mental health crises.

"Stigma kills people. And so we really want to educate people on the truth about mental health... A healthy community lives each other up, and that's what we're trying to do here."

"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... And, across the board, that just isn’t true."

"Just getting the word out there, letting us be seen, letting people know that there are people out here they care about what we're doing and really care about breaking that stigma, you know that what we're here for,"

Building on the momentum of Eureka's town hall and Mental Health Awareness Walk, the city's dedication to mental health is evident in its multifaceted approach. These initiatives, designed to unite professionals, individuals with lived experience, and the wider community, strive to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness, expand public knowledge, and ensure access to crucial resources. Bolstering these efforts are ongoing programs such as the CARE team, which offers mental health crisis intervention and support, working alongside the Eureka Police Department to deliver easily accessible mental health services. Furthermore, the Hope Center provides a safe and educational environment, offering peer-led workshops and activities aimed at fostering personal, social, and emotional well-being for individuals facing mental health challenges. Through collaborative initiatives and community-based programs, Eureka is fostering a culture of support and working to ensure that individuals receive the care and understanding they need.