In celebration of National Mental Health Awareness Month, the East Palo Alto Behavioral Health Advisory Group (EPABHAG) convened by One East Palo Alto (OEPA), held its 8th Annual Family Awareness Night (FAN) on May 7, 2015.
This very exciting evening event was part of a mental health awareness movement that has been happening in East Palo Alto (EPA) since 2005. The theme of the 8th Annual FAN was “Healthy Minds, Choices, Families & Community – Physical • Mental • Spiritual • Cultural: Wellness through Connection & Expression.”
Although the FAN’s discussion initially touched on general mental health considerations, its central focus was on exploring wellness and how we connect with, express and sustain it for ourselves, our families and our community in wholistic ways, i.e., mentally, physically, spiritually and culturally. FAN activities were designed to achieve the following objectives: identifying and sharing how different individuals, families and cultures view wellness and recognizing various factors that influence the relationship between wellness and behavioral health as well as identifying roadblocks to wellness. Finally, the evening’s discussion addressed access to quality behavioral health services and resources in EPA that promote wellness as well as highlighted what is currently being done by EPABHAG members in partnership with San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services to eliminate longstanding disparities.
This year’s FAN event was attended by over 150 participants including local residents, community partners, stakeholders and leaders. Included below are several positive comments made by attendees when asked about the night’s activities.
OEPA looks forward to working with EPABHAG members to make FAN 2016 bigger and better!
Although the FAN’s discussion initially touched on general mental health considerations, its central focus was on exploring wellness and how we connect with, express and sustain it for ourselves, our families and our community in wholistic ways, i.e., mentally, physically, spiritually and culturally. FAN activities were designed to achieve the following objectives: identifying and sharing how different individuals, families and cultures view wellness and recognizing various factors that influence the relationship between wellness and behavioral health as well as identifying roadblocks to wellness. Finally, the evening’s discussion addressed access to quality behavioral health services and resources in EPA that promote wellness as well as highlighted what is currently being done by EPABHAG members in partnership with San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services to eliminate longstanding disparities.
This year’s FAN event was attended by over 150 participants including local residents, community partners, stakeholders and leaders. Included below are several positive comments made by attendees when asked about the night’s activities.
- The information was thorough and very helpful
- The hands-on opportunity to experience firsthand a wellness buffet
- Seeing a diverse representation of the community
- The youth getting together and helping out
- Finding wellness through the art of expression
- The inclusiveness of the community
- The drumming group
- The breakout sessions were very enjoyable and interactive
OEPA looks forward to working with EPABHAG members to make FAN 2016 bigger and better!
