(Atlantic) An event aimed at promoting mental wellness and connecting residents with local resources is planned in Atlantic as part of Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
The 2026 Mental Health Awareness Event will be held May 13 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Iowa Western Community College parking lot.
Sam Schwartz, Community Services Director with Zion Integrated Behavioral Health Services, and Tracy Van Zee, Director of Outpatient Mental Health Therapy Services, said the event is open to everyone at no cost.
The theme of the event, “More Good Days Together,” highlights the importance of community support in improving mental health and well-being. Organizers emphasize that help and support are available and that no one has to face challenges alone.
The event is being supported by several organizations, including Zion Integrated Behavioral Health Services, Thriving Families Alliance, Page County Public Health, NAMI Southwest Iowa, Nebraska AIDS Project, and County Health Services.
Schwartz and Van Zee also noted that Myrtue Mental Health is hosting a Mental Health Action Walk on Thursday, May 14th from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Pioneer Park in Harlan. Attendees can expect inspiring stories, activities, resources, live music and food trucks.
And, on June 2nd, Zion is partnering with Thriving Families Alliance and NAMI Southwest Iowa to screen a documentary by Ken Burns called Hiding in Plain Sight.
Schwartz said to stay tuned for more more details on that event.
