Tag: Mental Health Tips

Hamilton Center Promotes May as Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Month, and Hamilton Center, Inc. is working to bring mental health awareness to the forefront of the COVID-19 conversation. Beginning Friday May 1^st, the organization will start its annual month-long campaign to recognize and promote mental health awareness.

The theme for this year is “Stigma Nope not today”.

“This is a message for those who face the reality of being stigmatized by others based on mental illness or other things,” said Zach Jenkins, Public Relations Specialist. “Stigma? Nope not today…as in one day at a time – I will overcome stigma and be who I am, my best self,” he added.

To help spread this message the organization is offering a limited number of T-shirts to community partners across its 10-county footprint. More information can be found at hamiltoncenter.org or at facebook.com/HamiltonCenterInc.

“All of these efforts are meant to encourage individuals and groups to start a conversation about mental health in their communities with the hope that one day, together, we can end the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use disorder, said Melvin L. Burks, Hamilton Center’s CEO.

Several events, hosted by Hamilton Center, are scheduled throughout the month to provide opportunities for Hamilton Center staff and the community to engage and think about their own mental health. Here’s what to look for:

Friday May 1 – 1:15 p.m. – CEO Melvin L Burks will be Live on Facebook @HamiltonCenterInc to kick-off the celebration, announce the start of the “Stigma Nope not today” T-shirt campaign, and the inform viewers about the many different events and happenings scheduled for the month.

Friday May 8– Though the 29^th Annual Sheriff Shootout has been postponed to an undecided date in the fall, CEO Melvin L Burks will be live on Facebook @HamiltonCenterInc to celebrate the tradition with sponsors and staff. As Hamilton Center’s only fundraiser, the tradition of this annual event will be kept alive by offering community partners the opportunity to support the organization in serving childrens’ behavioral health needs across west central Indiana.

Friday May 22– In recognition of May as Mental Health Month community members are invited to celebrate mental health by wearing green. Whether they have a “Stigma Nope not today” T-shirts or their own green outfit, all are invited to post images of themselves and friends on their personal or business social media. To find out more about the campaign visit facebook.com/HamiltonCenterInc or search for #StigmaNopenottoday.

In conjunction with these events, Hamilton Center clinical staff will submit a series of articles that discuss mental health trends related to the current public health crisis cause by COVID-19 including, men’s issues, Trauma Informed Care (TIC) and compassion fatigue, loss and grief, and substance use disorder. In addition, banners recognizing the celebration of mental health will be placed on county courthouse lawns throughout the organization’s service area and Indianapolis Power and Light, in downtown Indy, will be lit up in green on May 9.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.