Families can find help, encouragement at MCS Mental Health Fair

MADISON – In the latest installment of public meetings, the Mental Health Matters initiative with Madison City Schools will present its district-wide Mental Health Fair on Nov. 13.

The event at Midtown Elementary School, 140 Coefer Blvd. in Madison, will run from 5 to 7 p.m. The fair, which is free to attend, is open to everyone.

“Please join us for this come-and-go event for parents, students and families,” Stephanie Allen said. Allen works as MCS District Mental Health Coordinator.

Participants can access helpful information at Community Resource Tables, which local experts will staff to help parents learn more about area resources that support mental health. The subject experts represent organizations in the field and can answer questions from visitors.

Numerous community organizations will have personnel at informational tables: The Enrichment Center; National Children’s Advocacy Center; Regional Autism Network at the University of Alabama in Huntsville; EWE Foundation; Partnership for Drug-Free America; Wellstone/NOVA Center; Alabama Department of Mental Health: Autism Services; Madison Police Department; MCS PTA, welcome table; SAM Foundation; HEALS Clinic; Kids to Love; Military Child Coalition; Not One More Alabama; United Way of Huntsville; Grandparents As Parents or GAP; and Madison County Foster and Adoptive Parent Association.

Everyone is welcome to wander through the media center and review the Mental Wellness Expo. “You can participate in hands-on family activities that promote mental wellness,” Allen said.

Bringing a place of reflection and calm, the MCS Student Art Showcase will provide a display of visual artwork with a theme of mental health. Students in grades 6-12 created the thought-provoking designs.

The Not One More Alabama organization will have its Discovery Room Trailer. Parents and adults can visit the mobile exhibit to view common signs of substance use often ‘hiding’ in a teenager’s room.

Guests can buy tasty concessions from food trucks that will be on the premises. The attendees will have a chance to win door prizes. The MCS mental health staff will give away books. Other activities will inform and grab attention of the visitors.

For more information, visit madisoncity.k12. al.us/Page/6937.