Healthy Adams County’s Behavioral Health Task Force, in collaboration with other local agencies, brought the inaugural Mental Health Wellness Day to the Adams County Farmers Market today.
“It was a pretty good turnout for the weather and for our first time doing the event,” said Healthy Adams County Executive Director Kathy Gaskin.
Exhibitors included AlAnon, ARC of York and Adams County, Breaktime Massage, Collaborating for Youth, Gettysburg Area High School Hope Squad, Gettysburg for Gun Sense, K-Pets, PA Counseling, PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Respective Solutions Group, SpiriTrust Lutheran Hospice, Waldo’s and Company, York/Adams MHDD, and many others.
Rise Yoga offered yoga for children. Mindful walking took place mid-morning, and Qigong was offered during late morning at the Rec Park.
Cathy Sweeney from SpiriTrust Home Care and Hospice delivered a talk about caregiver stress.
Narcan and resources were available. Chicken Nugget, a mini horse from Willow Rock Horse Farm, meandered the grounds.
Visitors enjoyed completing a self-screening tool to assess their well-being at Healthy Adams County’s booth.
The day created awareness about local resources that are available for Adams County and the surrounding area. The event also served to decrease the stigma of mental health issues.
Organizers hope to hold the event again next year.
Amy Thomas, Contributing Editor, is responsible for community outreach, including our social media presence. She, her husband, and her two children reside in Adams County. Amy also works in occupational therapy and volunteers with local organizations.