Every year during May, Positive Actions International coordinates the efforts for the City of Arlington's Mental Health Awareness Month campaign, through the Together for Mental Health panel discussion.

Together for Mental Health is a free event that brings leaders across the community, including business leaders, government officials, faith ministers, community members, and mental health professionals with the goal of highlighting the importance of mental health to our overall wellbeing. This year’s event will be celebrated on May 9th from 5:30 pm-8:00 pm at the Bob Duncan Center, with Council Member Raul Gonzalez as the moderator.

This event provides community members with an opportunity to talk about important issues while learning to identify helpful tools. “Every one of us faces challenges in life that can impact our mental health. If left unattended, it can turn into frustration, violence or a sense loss of hope and despair turned outward at the world. The world around us can be both positive and negative, bringing joy and sadness, hope and anxiety. But the good news is that there are practical tools that everyone can use to improve and protect their mental health”, says Esther De La Rosa Scott Director for Positive Actions International.

According to research, experiencing loneliness and disconnection increases the risk of mental health challenges and even losing hope. Last May the U.S. Surgeon General, through the Department of Human Services, released a report to warn the population about the presence of harmful interaction in youth and a new epidemic affecting Americans: Loneliness. This new report makes having events such as Together for Mental Health of extreme importance for our community. (You can read the full report here: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf).

Here at the Dream City, we are intentional about taking positive actions. That is why this year's theme for the City of Arlington is Enhancing Life Satisfaction and leaders such as Councilman Raul Gonalez Mauricio Galante, Kelly Curnutt, and Isaac Washington, among others, will be leading the conversation.

This event is a coordinating efforts with, TotalCare Behavioral Health services, Positive Actions International, Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s Latino Business Alliance and City of Arlington Councilman Raul Gonzalez. Mark your calendar for May 9th 2024 from 5:30pm-8:00 at the Bob Duncan Center. English panel 5:30-6:30pm and Spanish panel 7:pm-8:pm. For more information send an email to [email protected] or visit www.positiveactionsinternational.com.