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Monday, April 9, 2018 - 17:18 David Stone May, 2018, marks the 69th year in which Americans observe Mental Health Awareness Month. Begun in 1949, the goal is to raise awareness and educate the public. Three Roosevelt Island groups - The Disabled Association, Carter Burden Network and RIRA - help get the ball rolling.

Mental Health America, which sponsors the initiative, earning a presidential proclamation, wants every to understand "...the 18.1% of Americans who suffer from depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder; the realities of living with these conditions; and strategies for attaining mental health and wellness. It... strives to reduce the stigma (negative attitudes and misconceptions) that surrounds mental illnesses."

Last month, we  RIRA Common Council Vice President Lynne Shinozaki's championed a program aimed at Mental Health First Aid for Veterans. This month, the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association pairs up with the Carter Burden Network to host a Mental Health and Wellness Fair on the 26th at the Senior Center, 546 Main Street, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

More than a dozen organizations, including THRIVE NYC, Mount Sinai and the New York City Department for the Aging, will be on hand to support the effort. The National Alliance on Mental Health will present Mental Health 101 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Everyone's invited. It's free and refreshments will be served.