Written by: Jenna Schaefer, Community Health Center of Mason City
It’s OK to talk about mental health; it’s OK to ask for help. Creating space for conversation about mental health can make a meaningful difference in our community. The Make it OK Walk is designed to do just that – to bring people together in a supportive, welcoming environment where mental health is openly recognized, discussed, and understood. Events like this help break down barriers, remind individuals they are not alone, and encourage connection and support. Make It OK, a campaign from Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative, works to reduce stigma by encouraging open conversations and greater understanding of mental illness. In support of this effort, May 14 is recognized as National “Wear Green Day,” when wearing green serves as a simple but powerful way to raise awareness and show support for mental health.
Taking place on May 14 from 11:30AM-12:30PM at the Downtown Plaza in Mason City, the Make it OK Walk is a free community event that offers an easy and approachable way to get involved. Beginning at 11:30AM, local organizations will host resource tables, providing the opportunity to learn about available services, an important and powerful reminder that support does exist! At noon, Cody Williams with Turning Leaf Counseling will share a brief message on mental health before the walk begins – a short loop through downtown along the sculpture walk; participants can choose to walk as much or as little as they’d like. The goal is visibility; when people see the walk happening, it helps open the door to conversations, helping to normalize conversations about mental health.
After the walk, resource tables will remain open until 12:30PM. Be sure to pick up a bingo card and visit each table for a chance to be entered into a prize drawing. This is a fun and interactive way to engage with the event while learning more about the mental health resources available throughout the community.
The Make it OK Walk is about understanding and reminding one another that it is OK to talk about mental health. There is no dress code; come as you are, wear green, and help support an important cause. Consider grabbing lunch from one of the many downtown businesses while supporting this important event. We hope to see you there as we come together to support mental health in our community!