Mental Health Pop-Up Gym to help people and pets

Macon Mental Health Matters (MMHM) is holding its monthly pop-up gym on Saturday, October 8, at the Bloomfield-Gilead Park (1931 Rocky Creek Rd). This weekend's gym has more benefits for everyone in your family, including your furry friends, and it goes from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (rain or shine) with yoga, a drum circle, meditation, and other services.

MMHM is partnering with the Melanated Community Stimulation Project, the People and Pets Project, and Critter Fixers for Saturday's event. Melanated Community Stimulation Projects will provide free healthy food options for families to take home. The People and Pets Project, Critter Fixers, Mercer University Medical Students, and the Street Dog Coalition will team up to take care of you and your pets by providing a pet pantry, wellness exams, and vaccines.

"Pets are often considered to be the gateway to all kinds of healthcare for people. We are better able to take care of humans when their pets are cared for. We want people to know there is no healthcare without mental health," says MMHM Coordinator Andrea Cooke. "Addressing the access issue in our city starts with unique partnerships that help normalize the conversation around mental health, and what better week to do this than National Mental Health Awareness Week."

"I have had many patients who will do things for their pets before helping themselves. Their pet is their family, and the strength of their bond is evident," says Nurse Practitioner and President of People & Pets Project Janet Hendrickson. "By offering veterinary care side by side with their own care, it allows me, as a healthcare provider, the opportunity to connect with my patients in a much more meaningful way."