27 Aug Mental Health Awareness at the Minnesota State Fair 2019
On Monday, August 26th, Vail Place staff and members participated in Mental Health Awareness Day at the Minnesota State Fair for the second year in a row. More than 50 mental health organizations participated, giving visitors a chance to explore mental health and wellness resources through inspiring stage performances, music, demonstrations, yoga, information, and more. Highlights of the day included Uptown Clubhouse Director Chad Bolstrom being interviewed for a story on WCCO TV and the always popular band The Renovators performing cover songs by the Beatles, REM, Bruno Mars and others from 11am to noon.
Our unique and interactive Thousands of Voices art project gave State Fair visitors the opportunity to express and share their feelings and experiences with mental illness in a non-threatening and creative way. Often the beginning of conversation around mental health is allowing people to show rather than tell – that’s the power of the arts!
Throughout the day, Vail Place staff and the folks we serve answered questions about mental health and Vail Place community programs. Dubbed “Vail on a Stick,” Mental Health Awareness Day provided a fun and friendly venue for people to learn more about mental illnesses, help further the mission of Vail Place and raise awareness for issues surrounding mental health in general.
