As the calendar moves into the month of May, the Be The Influence (BTI) coalition is preparing to host the 3rd annual “Jammin’ for Mental Health” event in recognition of Mental Health Awareness during the month of May.
Crystal Aldrich is the Project Coordinator for Be the Influence coalition and has been a part of “Jammin’ for Mental Health” since it launched in collaboration with Maine Health Behavioral Health three years ago.
“Be the Influence Director, Patrice Leary-Forrey, Laurie Cavanaugh from Maine Health/Behavioral Health, and I do all the planning for and running of the event,” says Aldrich.
“Jammin for Mental Health” began three years ago when Laurie Cavanaugh and then BTI Director, Laura Morris, collaborated and came up with the idea for this event for drawing attention to Mental Health through the Arts in a way that involved the community and brought it together.
“May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Windham School District Art show is usually the first week of May, so BTI reached out to the High School and asked if we could join them during their Art show,” Aldrich said.
The purpose of the event is to bring attention and awareness to mental health issues by using art as an outlet for improving your mental health.
Every year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chooses a theme for Mental Health Awareness month, and this year the theme is: In every story, there’s strength. This theme highlights the resilience and diverse experiences that shape mental health journeys within our community. NAMI’s campaign celebrates the power of storytelling to fuel connection, understanding, and hope for those navigating their own mental health path. More information about NAMI can be found at nami.org.
“This event is great for the whole family,” said Aldrich. “There are so many art projects to do with kids, as well as adults. The music is fun, the BTI Youth group has many different projects in place that will keep the whole family having fun, young and old.”
The “Jammin’ for Mental Health” event will feature live music, vendors, resources, art projects, a photo booth, lots of door prizes, and wellness activities.
“This year we have some new vendors, as well as some from the past years,” says Aldrich. “Come join us at the Windham High School Gymnasium for music, community resources fair and fun. Learn new skills on how to reduce stress and improve mental health through art and mindfulness. This is a free event open to the public and in partnership with RSU 14 Annual Art Show and Maine Health.”
The community is strongly encouraged to attend.
“We try to focus on using art and music as a way to improve your mental health, and that makes it fun and creative,” says Aldrich. “It has been a little different every year so far and just keeps getting better.”
Be the Influence is a federal funded Drug Free Communities grant with a mission to reduce youth substance misuse through prevention education, community supports and harm reduction. It strives to build better health outcomes from positive experiences.
Aldrich said that she is very grateful for the MaineHealth/Behavioral Health team, and the BTI Youth group in their help with “Jammin’ for Mental Health.”
“This event would not be possible without the collaboration with the MaineHealth/Behavioral Health team, and the BTI Youth group,” she says. “This year especially we have a great group of high school students so excited for this event and are looking forward to seeing it be a great success.” <
