MARYLAND (WBFF) — In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Maryland Department of Health is partnering with the Maryland Mental Health Association to encourage residents to “Go Green” for their mental health this May.
The goal of the Go Green campaign is to raise awareness by lighting up greenery across the country from May 13 to May 19, state officials said.
This year, the Maryland Mental Health Association and the department's Office of Suicide Prevention are partnering to expand participation in Maryland under the theme “Mental Health Is Health.”
“Mental health is essential to overall well-being, and it is imperative that we continue to provide access to care and build a community of understanding and support,” said Alyssa Lord, Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health. Stated. “As we strive to foster a culture of openness and reduce stigma, it is important to highlight the importance of mental health and the resources available to those in need of care.”
The department is encouraging individuals and businesses in Maryland to wear green, illuminate their buildings green, take photos and share their participation on social media.
Participants include Oriole Park at Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium, Merriweather Post Pavilion, and many government agencies and nonprofit organizations around the state.
Health department employees are also encouraged to wear green and attend the event.
In addition to lighting the office green, the Suicide Prevention Office also creates a calendar of events for the month.
“We need to do more to protect mental health and ensure that all Marylanders have equal access to care,” said Heidi Rochon, chief program officer at the Maryland Mental Health Association. ” he said. “We hope that communities across the state will come together and light their skylines green to demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of all Marylanders.”
If you would like to sign up, please visit mhamd.org/yes-to-green.
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