Holly Bowyer and her colleagues at The Center for Counseling & Consultation are in high gear, planning for the 10th annual Mental Health Awareness Day.

The event is set for 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 23 at Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend.

“Mental health affects so many aspects of our lives but some people are unaware of the numerous resources in our community,” said Bowyer, who is heading up the planning committee. “Virtually everyone here at The Center is pitching in so that we can share information with participants.”

The Center will offer several booths that focus on Community Based Services, #Zero Reasons Why (#ZRW), Community Support Services, and the clinical and medical departments.

In addition, approximately 20 other local and area agencies have reserved space for their booths at no cost to them.

“We appreciate the support of all of these agencies,” Bowyer commented. “Because of their commitment to mental-health issues, we have more booths this year than ever before.”

A new feature at the #ZRW booth this year is the opportunity for young people to tell their stories about why mental health has been so important in their lives. #ZRW is a teen-led suicide-prevention program.

This annual event got its start when “the people in our adult programs wanted to show the community what they experienced at The Center,” Bowyer recalled. “We set up exhibits in our parking lot at 5815 Broadway, which was fine for a while. But it got too big for that venue. And, I am pleased to say, it continues to grow in popularity every year.”

Since Mental Health Awareness Day is for the whole family, the event caters to all ages. This includes large tricycles, a bounce house, yard games and arts and crafts.

In addition, hot dogs, chips and popcorn are available at no cost, while supplies last.

“Yes, we want to share information about local mental-health resources but we also want everyone to have a good time,” Bowyer said. “This is a great opportunity for all of us to come together to support one another and enjoy a few hours outside.”

Julie Kramp, The Center executive director, said the “community should commend the agency’s staff for organizing and participating in Mental Health Awareness Day. They realize how important mental-health resources are to our entire community. The staff deserve all the credit and I appreciate their commitment.”

Sponsors of the event are UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Sunflower Health Plan and Aetna Better Health of Kansas.

The Center for Counseling & Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.