STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
A Stigma-Free bicycle ride, a free lunch and a presentation on mental health are among the activities being staged during May in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
On Wednesday, May 15, a free lunch will be offered at noon during a presentation on mental health at the Ketchum Innovation Center, 180 6th St. W. in Ketchum. The session will examine mental health challenges in the work place, what supervisors and managers can do and what resources are available.
On Saturday, May 18, individuals and groups are invited to take part in Biking for Mental Wellness, a StigmaFree Ride. Cyclists can check in at the YMCA in Ketchum or BCRD in Hailey between 9 and 11 a.m. They can then follow the Wood River bike path to either Hailey or Ketchum, with suggested stops at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden, the City of Hailey ArborFest at McKercher Park where there will be food trucks and vendors and the Home & Garden Show at Campion Ice House.
Costumes are encouraged with prizes for the largest group participating, the most creative and the best-themed team. Register online at www.namiwrv.org/bike. A suggested entrance fee is $100 for a group of six riders or $25 for a single with the money going to support NAMI.
Events like these are a great way to start important conversations about mental health, said NAMI-WRV Executive Director Christina Cernansky.
Valley cities and the Blaine County Commission also plan to offer proclamations supporting mental health awareness this week. In addition, NAMI-WRV will have a membership drive that will highlight the national StigmaFree campaign and provide updates on mental health accomplishments in the valley over the past year.
NAMI-WRV Board President Daniel Hansen said the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental illness has seen an increasing need in recent years. Statistically, one in five individuals has mental health challenges and they often go undiagnosed and untreated.
“Our community’s progressive approach to improving wellbeing is inspiring and this May we’re excited to be at the forefront of positive change,” he said. “Ultimately, we’re reframing the topic of mental health: It’s not scary, it affects us all, there is help and no shame in seeking it, treatment is effective and this community supports you.”