• Eureka is hosting a town hall on May 4th at the Wharfinger Building to debunk myths about mental illness and promote awareness.
• The event includes panel discussions with local professionals and individuals with lived experiences, and a keynote speech by Joseph Reid, founder of Broken People.
• The town hall is organized in partnership with the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

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 organizing a community town hall to address and debunk common myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness. This event, scheduled for May 4th at the Wharfinger Building, aims to educate the public, reduce stigma, and provide support for individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. The town hall will feature panel discussions with local professionals and individuals with lived experience, along with a keynote address from Joseph Reid, the founder and executive director of Broken People, an organization focused on peer support.

• What: A community town hall event to debunk myths about mental illness, featuring panel discussions, a keynote speaker, and resource information.
• Who: Organized by the City of Eureka, Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Jacob Rosen, Joseph Reid, and Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel.
• When: Sunday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: Wharfinger Building, 1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA

The town hall represents a concerted effort by the City of Eureka and its partners to address the pervasive stigma surrounding mental illness. By bringing together professionals, individuals with lived experience, and community members, the event aims to foster a more informed and supportive environment. The inclusion of Joseph Reid, who shares his personal experiences in 'Broken Like Me,' adds a powerful element of lived experience, potentially fostering empathy and understanding. The CARE team's co-response initiative highlights the city's proactive approach to mental health crises. Mental Health Awareness Walk is another way the community is raising awareness to break the stigma and provide support.

"Stigma kills people. And so we really want to educate people on the truth about mental health... Mental health doesn't discriminate... A healthy community lives each other up, and that's what we're trying to do here."

"Mental health is one of those things where the stigma literally kills people."

"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," Rosen said. "When we look at the research, individuals with mental health issues are no more violent than the rest of the population."

The Eureka town hall on mental health aims to reduce stigma, educate the community, and provide resources for those affected by mental illness. By featuring diverse perspectives and addressing common misconceptions, the event seeks to create a more supportive and understanding community. The ongoing efforts of the CARE team and the Mental Health Awareness Walk and related mental health services demonstrates a commitment to addressing mental health challenges proactively. The success of the town hall could serve as a model for other communities seeking to improve mental health awareness and support.