City of Fishers, IN
05/01/2019 | Press release | Archived content
Fishers Dedicates Month of May to Mental Health Awareness
Today, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness proclaimed the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month. The proclamation kicks off a month-long campaign that will continue the efforts of the Mental Health Initiative in making Fishers a community that embraces mental health, supports those with mental illness, and commits to being stigma free.
The City will honor Mental Health Awareness Month by illuminating City Hall in green, the official color of mental health. The lights will remain for the month of May as a reminder of those suffering in quiet despair from mental illness, and as a promise from the Fishers community to continue efforts to reduce the stigma associated with getting help and talking about mental illness.
"We've dedicated the last five years to truly understanding our community's needs when it comes to mental health," said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. "Today, we stand in strong collaboration with our school and hospital systems and a public safety team appropriately trained and prepared to support those suffering from mental illness. Each May, we're reminded that we have a long way to go to change the culture around mental illness, but in Fishers I'm proud to say that we have made marked progress."
As a result of the Fishers Mental Health Initiative, the coalition has accomplished:
A comprehensive mental health support system embedded within Hamilton Southeastern Schools
Fishers public safety departments have shifted their training to include mental health training to better address behavioral health runs
Fishers Fire and Emergency Services department launched the behavioral health component of its WeCare program
The launch of StigmaFreeFishers.com, a community-based resource and educational website to support those seeking support for mental health and fitness and non-emergent support for mental illness
An increase in people accessing care in the community
A complete report of the Initiative's accomplishments will be shared during the Report to the Community on May 14.
Several events throughout the month will support mental health, mental fitness, and ways to address everyday stress while encouraging residents to connect with each other and learn more about mental illness.
Hope for Happiness
This Friday, May 3, students from the Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern High Schools' Bring Change to Mind Clubs will host their third annual Hope for Happiness event from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Nickel Plate District AMP. The event brings together music, fun, mental health experts, and activities in a festival atmosphere to bring people together in support of mental health.
Report to the Community
Tuesday, May 14 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Fishers City Hall, the Mental Health Task Force Report to the Community will be released during its quarterly stakeholder meeting. This report, released every two years, will share the progress made with the Fishers Mental Health Initiative and next steps for the community. Public is welcome, but asked to RSVP.
Love, Jordan Film Screening
Friday, May 17 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Heartland Church, the screening of the short film, Love, Jordan, will bring attendees on a journey to raise awareness about mental health issues through film. Written, directed, and produced by Fishers residents, the short film will be followed by a cast discussion. Public is welcome, but asked to register.
Outreach Events
The Stigma Free Fishers booth will be promoting pledges and awareness at the following community events throughout the month: Hope for Happiness (May 3), Fishers Farmers' Market Health & Wellness Expo (May 18), and Touch-a-Truck (May 22). Learn more about these events and others at StigmaFreeFishers.com/Events.
Residents are encouraged to share their story and support for others and tagging #StigmaFreeFishers and #MentalHealthMonth as part of the Initiative's efforts to spread awareness and reduce stigma. More information can be found at StigmaFreeFishers.com, a community website connecting people to care and educational resources.