Community Mental Health Awareness Day coming to Princess Anne
Salisbury, Md. – In Princess Anne, community members are preparing for an end-of-the-school-year celebration that mixes food, music and fun while highlighting Mental Health Awareness.
The Somerset County community is in for a treat come 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Washington High School & Academy is partnering with the Somerset County Local Management Board, Learning Support Team, and the G.R.I.T. Mentoring Program, to invite students, their families, and the community to the End-of-the-Year Celebration and Community Mental Health Awareness Fair at the school.
While attendees enjoy free food, live music, games, door prizes, they can explore important topics in mental health.
Washington High officials told WMDT in an email statement:
“Our goal is to create a positive and welcoming environment where students, families, and community members can come together, learn about available resources, and celebrate the strength of our community. Mental health matters, and this event provides an opportunity to raise awareness while enjoying a day of fellowship and fun.”
Princess Anne Police will also be there to participate in the fun. Chief Robert Smith said officers will be there cooking hot dogs and ready to engage with the community.
“We keep in mind that community policing is about more than responding to calls,” he said. “It’s about building relationships. It’s about supporting resources. It’s about helping creating a stronger, healthier community.”
Smith said he believes in order to strengthen trust with the community, it’s important for residents to see their police department actively engaged in community events, especially positive ones.
“That’s so important, and it reinforces that we’re all working towards the same goal,” he said.
The event is free and open to the public. Students who plan to remain after school for the event have to have a signed parent permission note. Officials say transportation will be provided for those who need it. Those interested in transportation services are encouraged to contact Janae Johnson at Crisfield High School to make arrangements.
