ROSEVILLE, CA (MPG) - In partnership with the local Campaign for Community Wellness, Placer County will host the second Placer4MentalHealth Wellness Fair on Thursday, May 15, in Roseville. The event reinforces the county's commitment to raising awareness, breaking down stigma and promoting access to mental health resources. May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Placer County’s Adult and Children’s Systems of Care and Campaign for Community Wellnesslaunched the “Placer4MentalHealth” campaign two years ago to share mental health stories and local resources. Residents can visit the website to sign a pledge to ‘Be the Change’ to help end mental health stigma.

Last year’s inaugural Wellness Fair was enjoyed by over 700 members of the community. This year’s family-friendly and free event will take place May 15 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Maidu Community Center in Roseville. It will feature over 50 local mental health-related vendors, wellness workshops, raffle prizes and live entertainment from local musicians. To browse the full lineup and schedule, visit the event website. Highlights include:

Workshops on topics including youth mental health, the mind-body connection, mindfulness and meditation, gratitude, yoga, improving sleep and equine-assisted therapy

Live performances including local musician Chloe Mead, the Sacramento Kings dancers and the Auburn Hip Hop Congress

Family activities including coloring books for kids and adults, games and crafts including DIY bath salts and vision boards

And dozens of vendors including major health providers, nonprofits and governmental services.

"We recognize that as demand for mental health services has increased, it can be challenging to navigate resources," said Kyle Jibson, deputy district attorney and Campaign for Community Wellness partner. “The Placer4MentalHealth Wellness Fair aims to support families in connecting with care while also having fun.”

Nationwide, one in five adults and one in six youth ages 6-17 experience a mental illness or mental health condition, yet only half will receive treatment in any given year. Placer County's mental health systems of care served over 10,000 residents last fiscal year, offering a range of services including individual and group early intervention efforts, intensive mental health services, expanded community-based 24/7 crisis services, peer supports, school-based services, and supportive housing.

“Mental health affects every part of our lives — and building a community that talks openly about it is one of the most powerful things we can do,” said Amy Ellis, Adult System of Care director. “The Wellness Fair is about bringing people together, sharing resources and showing that support is available.”

For those experiencing a mental health crisis, Placer County encourages residents to call the 24-hour crisis line at 916-787-8860 or 1-888-886-5401 for immediate assistance. Crisis resources offered by Placer County include:

The Lotus Behavioral Health Crisis Center, a voluntary urgent care for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises.

The Mobile Crisis team, a 24/7 service that meets people in crisis where they are – whether in a park, at a school, in a shelter, at home, in a parking lot, or beyond.

Following the May 15 event, the county will continue to promote these and other resources throughout May.