MASON CITY, IA — May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and local organizations are working together to spread the message. The Greater Mason City Chamber of Commerce, Community Health Center of Mason City, City of Mason City, and CG Public Health are hosting Mason City’s “Make It OK” Walk on Thursday, May 14 to raise awareness and end the stigma associated with mental health. All community members are invited to wear green and join the free awareness walk in downtown Mason City.

Mental health resource tables will be open from 11:30AM-12:30PM on the downtown plaza and a short oration by Turning Leaf Counseling Executive Director Cody Williams will commence at 12PM, followed immediately by a large group walk downtown along a marked portion of the Sculpture Walk. People may come grab lunch from a downtown restaurant, walk, and gather resources at their convenience during the event. Resource BINGO cards will also be available for walkers to collect information and turn in for a prize drawing. Businesses and organizations interested in providing resources and information on mental health may participate by setting up a resource table. Contact Jenna Schaefer at Community Health Center of Mason City for more information (jschaefer@chcmasoncity.com | 641.450.0601). The deadline for table registration is Friday, April 24.

One in five Americans experience mental illness each year. Make It OK. Spread the word and help end the stigma.

Additional information about the event can be found on the “Make it OK Walk – Mason City” Facebook event page.Make It OK is a community campaign to reduce stigma by increasing understanding and creating caring conversations about mental illnesses. Visit MakeItOk.org to learn more