Compiled From Online Reports
The City of Birmingham and Nature of Alabama will host the fifth annual “Mental Health Day” on Friday, May 8.
The community event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Linn Park. The event aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve access to mental health resources across Birmingham.
Nurture of Alabama founder Crystal Mullen-Johnson said the organization has worked over the years to make a lasting impact.
“Over the past five years, we have remained resilient, consistent, and impactful as we connect our community with resources that promote healing, wellness, and overall well-being,” she said.
Why do we need a Community Mental Health Day?
Untreated mental illness is contributing to a national mental health crisis in the United States, affecting both adults and youth. Data from the National Alliance of Mental Illness indicates that one in five individuals experiences mental illness each year.
Mental health challenges among our youth are real,
urgent, and growing and the data makes that clear. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people in the United States, and Black youth are experiencing some of the most alarming increases.
“Conversations about mental health are often minimized, misunderstood, or even silenced, especially in Black communities. But Mental Health Awareness Day is a chance to change that,’’ said Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “With the help of our partners, we’re breaking stigmas, connecting communities to vital resources, and reminding everyone that your mind matters.’’
According to national data from SAMHSA, between 2018 and 2021, suicide rates
among Black youth ages 10–24 increased by approximately 37%, one of the sharpest rises of any racial or ethnic group.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) youth behavior data further reveal troubling disparities among adolescents. In 2019, Black female high school students reported higher rates of suicide attempts than their White female peers, underscoring the unique pressures and unmet mental health needs facing Black girls and young women today.
These statistics are not just numbers; they represent children, families, classrooms, and communities. Organizers say the event is free and open to the public.
Scheduled Events: Main Stage
- 10 a.m. Introduction of Nurture Board of Directors
- 11-11:15 a.m. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Brandon Folks, Senior Program Manager with Alabama Department of Mental Health, Office of Prevention
- 11:30-11:45 a.m. Remarks from Birmingham City Councilor Crystal N. Smitherman, District 6
- Noon to 12:30 p.m. Performance by Logan the Entertainer
- 12:30-1 p.m. Line dancing with Fitness Instructor Tracy Williams and Tracy’s Sensational Seniors
Scheduled Events: On the Lawn
- 10:15-10:45 a.m. Yoga on the Lawn, presented by Adi Kaur, Yoga Therapist of Inglenook Yoga Studio
- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free Depression Screenings by Licensed therapist, Cherie May Edwards, owner of Work In Progress
- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free Mental Health Consultations with Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Dr. Demechiko French, owner of Mechi Mental Wellness
- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Glucose and High Blood Pressure Screenings provided by Brownstone Total Family Healthcare
- 10-11:30 a.m. Chair massages offered by Massage Therapist Adrian Ward, owner of Relaxation Room
- 10:30-10:45 a.m. Boot Camp Exercises presented by Certified Personal Trainer Cedric Starks, owner of Train and Burn Fitness Studio
- 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Food Trucks will be serving
