Promoting mental health in Elmont

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and the Iota Theta Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. sorority hosted a Mental Health Awareness Expo at Elmont Memorial Library on June 22.

The event featured presentations from mental health professionals and seminary by Help to Adjust and the Slap Collective, an arts and wellness organization.

In recent years, neighbors have seen a growing mental health crisis on the local and national levels that require attention and urgent action.

“The stigma surrounding mental health needs to be broken down,” Solages said in a news release. “Focusing on mental health is how we promote overall wellness in our everyday lives.”

The Mental Health Awareness Expo gave the community a space to speak openly about the need to focus on mental health daily, and resources on how everyone can promote positive mental well-being with small but meaningful changes to people’s mindset and actions.

“We need to give people the tools and resources to address any mental health challenges they may face,” Solages said. “It’s okay to ask for help.”