NEWPORT – Newport County YMCA and Newport Mental Health are hosting the “I am Whole” campaign, a series of workshops and events promoting mental health that went viral in the United Kingdom and Europe last year.
The “I am Whole” campaign seeks to help people understand the mental and physical sides of a person are integral parts of a whole person. With the title bearing the same “I am Whole” messaging, supporters draw a circle on the palms of their hands to indicate that mental health is equally as important as physical health to a person’s overall well-being. YMCA and NMH will hold Mental Health First Aid classes throughout the year, along with contests, World Mental Health Day, the community launch of “I am Whole” Oct. 10 and an “I am Whole” Fair and Expo Oct. 13.
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“Just like cancer, diabetes or any other physical disorder, mental health needs to be embraced and people need to feel free to discuss their mental health concerns,” said Newport Mental Health CEO and President Jamie Lehane. “We want to let everyone know that mental health disorders are very treatable. Recovery is possible, once people get the evidence-based treatment they need.”
The event marks the first time a YMCA in the United States has implemented a U.K. campaign, and organizers are aiming for similar widespread support, beginning with activities and contests for YMCA campers this summer.
“The Newport County YMCA is not only about physical health and awareness but social and community awareness. This is the Y’s way of promoting mental health awareness and raising the challenge to anyone, young, old and in between, to come forward and discuss their mental health,” said Newport County YMCA CEO Mike Miller. “We’re pleased to be working with Newport Mental Health on this.”
Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.
