The Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition is excited to share our third annual Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) calendar this May. MHAM is an important time to recognize the mental health is essential to our health and quality of life. Talking about mental health promotes acceptance and encourages people to seek help. Click here to view our virtual calendar.
Check out our signature events, and the many events and resources from our partners below.
Signature Coalition Events
We are hosting a variety of Coalition events with opportunities for learning and connecting with others about mental health and wellness.
- National Fentanyl Awareness Day Rapid REVIVE training, Tuesday, May 9, multiple times and locations
- You’re Not Alone: Interactive Chalk Mural and Info Fair, on the Downtown Mall, Friday, May 19, 11AM-4PM,
- Dr. Ken Hardy Helping in Times of Turmoil and Trauma Virtual Workshop, Tuesday, May 23, 12-2PM
- Introduction to Stress First Aid for Community Leaders, Mount Zion First African Baptist Church, Tuesday, May 23, 6-7:30PM
- Wisdom and Wellbeing Training for Healthcare Workers Virtual Workshop, Wednesday, May 24, 12-1PM
Discover Creative Ways to Heal
Creativity can be a powerful tool for supporting mental health. Art therapy, journaling, music therapy, and other creative approaches can help people develop coping skills, process their emotions, and reduce stress. MHAM is a great time to explore different creative outlets to see how they can benefit your mental wellness!
- On Our Own Creativity Group, Mondays, 11AM-12 PM
- The Women’s Initiative, Expressive Art (For women & gender-expansive community), Monday, May 2, 6 & 19, 4-5PM
- Staunton Augusta Art Center, ART: A Voice Exhibit Opening, Friday, May 5, 5-7PM and throughout May
- Fluvanna County Arts Council, Always. Already. Enough. Flipping the Script on Mental Illness, Saturday, May 6 at 7PM
Move Your Body for Wellness
Exercise and wellness activities are a great way to boost your mental health, and to take care of your physical wellbeing. See community health and wellness events and groups below.
- Blue Ridge Center Acuwellness, Daily, 1-2PM
- The Women’s Initiative Chair Yoga for Self-Care (Open to all!), Mondays, May 1 & 15, 11-11:45AM
- The Women’s Initiative Mindfulness to Address Burnout, (Open to all), Mondays, 3-4PM
- On Our Own, SMART Recovery, Tuesdays,12-1PM & Thursdays, 6-7PM
- Groove the Blues Away Health Fair Tonsler Park, Saturdays, 9-11AM
- Central Virginia Health & Wellness Expo, Saturday May 13th, 10AM-2PM
- Prolyfyck Community Walk/Run, Friday May 26, Walkers at 5:50AM and Runners at 6:00AM
Explore Culturally Responsive Care
Understanding and respecting cultural beliefs, values, and lived-experience is essential to good mental health. Check out these offerings to help make mental health care more accessible and inclusive for all.
- Counseling Alliance of Virginia (CAVA) -The Breathing Room, Wednesdays, May 2 & 16, 9AM
- On Our Own Queer Support, Wednesdays 6-7PM
- The Women’s Initiative’s Bienestar Program Cultivating Self-Care Skills (For Latinx women), Thursdays, May 4, 11, & 18 5:30-6:30PM
- The Women’s Initiative – Mindful Meditation for Black People & People of Color, Sunday, May 14, 2-3:15 PM
- The Women’s Initiative, C’ville Trans Women Circle of Support, Thursday, May 25, 6-7PM
- The Women’s Initiative – Yoga for Black People & People of Color, Sunday, May 28, 2-3:15 PM
Develop Your Skills
Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time to grow skills to care for yourself and others around you. Check out these partner offerings.
- Counseling Alliance of Virginia (CAVA) – Racial Awareness & Sensitivity Group, Tuesdays, May 3 & 17, 6:15-7:45PM
- Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia with Sentara Martha Jefferson, Tuesday May 2, 5-6PM
- Rapid REVIVE Overdose Reversal Trainings, Tuesday, May 9, various times
- Region Ten REVIVE Virtual Overdose Reversal Training, Wednesday, May 10, 12:30-1:30PM
- Region Ten, Community Resilience Initiative Trauma Informed Training, Friday, May 12, 8:30-3:30PM
- Region Ten & UVA Gordie Center, Youth Alcohol Misuse Prevention Talk, Wednesday, May 17, 6:30-7:30PM
- Region Ten Adult Mental Health First Aid, Tuesday, May 23, 9AM-3:30PM