Baltimore’s public markets will host mental health professionals to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Staff members from the Behavior Health System Baltimore and the National Association of Mental Health Illness (NAMI) Metropolitan Baltimore will table at the city’s public markets to provide customers with resources, information and counseling for mental health-related challenges.
“Though our primary mission for the markets is a food-based one, we are also committed to the neighborhoods and communities we serve, and mental health plays a key role in the overall health of those communities,” said Paul Ruppert, CEO and president of Baltimore Public Markets and Lexington Market, in a statement.
On May 18, NAMI staff share information about their free classes, support groups, presentation programs, and volunteer opportunities at Hollins Market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at Broadway Market from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Also at Broadway Market that day, Baltimore native Charita Brown, author of “Defying the Verdict: My Bipolar Life,” will share her experiences of living with bipolar disorder and will address stereotypes related to mental illness.
On May 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Avenue Market, Behavioral Health System Baltimore will promote their “Here to Help” hotline, which is staffed by a professional to provide confidential and emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The organization will also share tips for dealing with stress and a yoga professional will share exercises for reducing stress.
