Local school systems organize mental health fair
Morgan County, Hartselle City and Decatur City schools are joining forces to host a community-wide mental health resource fair, Mental Health Comes First, on May 1. The event will take place from 5 -7 p.m. at the Cook Museum of Natural Science and will feature more than 30 resource tables, a community panel discussion and interactive activities for families. The event will take place from 5 -7 p.m. at the Cook Museum of Natural Science and will feature more than 30 resource tables, a community panel discussion and interactive activities for families.
Organizers say the goal of the fair is to connect parents, caregivers and students with valuable mental health resources available in the region. Alyson Miller, Mental Health Service Coordinator for Morgan County Schools, spearheaded the initiative and said the response has been overwhelming.
Attendees will find a wide range of support services on site, including national organizations such as FACT (Families & Community Together) and the Cook Center for Human Connection, as well as local providers like Healthy Solutions, Lily of the Valley, Wellspace Play Therapy, and BandAids and Butterflies, a Hartsellebased organization. The Albany Clinic, which partners with the school systems, will also be present.
The event will feature a panel discussion addressing the impact of social media on teen mental health. Panelists include Matt Adams, director of secondary education and mental health; local attorney Patrick Carver; children’s author Caris Synder; and Trey Chowning, technology director for Morgan County Schools. Each brings a unique perspective to the topic, united by a common concern about rising anxiety levels among youth.
In addition to the panel, the fair will offer family-friendly activities aimed at promoting well-being. 3D Fitness of Priceville will lead group yoga and meditation sessions. Local high school students will help younger attendees make slime as a form of sensory stress relief. Another featured activity is a “gratitude jar” project, which encourages families to develop a daily habit of thankfulness.
“There’s research showing that practicing gratitude increases positive mental health,” Miller said. “It helps shift focus from the negative to the positive.” The schools have already implemented programs to help address mental health concerns among students. Morgan County Schools, for example, has partnered with Driveway, an initiative that educates students about bullying and mental health while also training peer helpers to support their classmates.
“The idea is simple,” Adams explained. “If a kid needs a cast, we give them one. If they need mental health support, we should offer it- without stigma.” For families already in crisis, Miller and Adams stress that help is available. They recommend the Connect Alabama app, developed by VitAL, a state agency in partnership with the University of Alabama. The app connects users with mental health, substance use and trauma-related services across the state.
School counselors remain a key point of contact for families in need, Adams added. “They are the first line of support. They’re here to help guide families to the next steps.” More information about the fair can be found on the websites for Hartselle City Schools, Morgan County Schools and Decatur City Schools.
