Owensboro residents will have an opportunity to connect with mental health providers and community resources during a free Mental Health Resource Fair hosted by LEAP Services.
The event is designed to help individuals living with severe mental illness, as well as their families and caregivers, better understand the support systems available within the community.
Individuals living with a Severe Mental Illness often face significant barriers when seeking help, Teresa with LEAP Services said.
“Individuals living with a Severe Mental Illness (SMI) often face multiple barriers when trying to access support, including stigma and fear of judgment, limited income or insurance challenges, transportation issues, and long waitlists for services,” Teresa said. “Many systems are complex and difficult to navigate, especially during times of crisis. Unstable housing, unmet basic needs, and medication challenges also create obstacles, while diagnoses such as schizophrenia, bipolar, anxiety, major depressive disorder and PTSD can make it overwhelming to schedule appointments or follow through with services, even when help is available.”
Organizers say the resource fair is intended to make access easier by bringing services directly to the public in a welcoming environment.
“A mental health resource fair like this one is important because they bring services, education, support and awareness directly into the community in a welcoming and accessible way,” Teresa said. “They help reduce stigma by normalizing conversations around mental health while connecting individuals, families and caregivers to local providers, programs, and resources they may not have known existed.”
In addition to connecting attendees with providers, Teresa said events like this also benefit the broader community.
“These events also encourage collaboration among organizations, strengthen community partnerships, and make it easier for people, especially those living with a Severe Mental Illness, to take the first step toward help in a safe, supportive environment,” Teresa said.
The Mental Health Resource Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at 1858 Triplett Street. The event is free and open to the public.
