SHREVEPORT, La. — KTBS is On Your Side and Answering the Call, highlighting mental health awareness efforts taking place across Caddo Parish this month.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office is hosting several community-focused events aimed at education, support and strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the public.
Caddo Parish sheriff’s Sgt. Felisa Leary joined KTBS Tuesday to discuss the initiatives, which focus on communication, emotional well-being and access to resources.
One upcoming event, “Stronger Families, Safer Communities,” is scheduled for May 16 and is geared toward parents and teens. The program encourages healthy communication and active listening within families, which Leary says can lead to safer communities overall.
Another event, Coffee with a Cop, will take place May 18 at Safety Town, located at 8910 Julia Avenue. The informal gathering offers free coffee and a relaxed environment where community members can speak openly with deputies, ask questions or simply talk.
“Sometimes people just need someone to listen,” Leary said. “That alone can support mental health.”
The Sheriff’s Office has also partnered with Galilee Baptist Church to host “Healing Matters,” beginning May 6 and continuing every Wednesday evening. The sessions will address both mental health awareness and domestic violence, offering tools and strategies to help individuals better manage emotions, reactions and decision-making.
In light of recent violence and trauma within the community, Leary emphasized the importance of taking advantage of these services.
“Some people don’t always know how to address their emotions or reactions,” she said. “These events provide tools that can help at home, in the workplace and throughout the community.”
Leary also encouraged people to be mindful of warning signs that may indicate a need for mental health support, such as withdrawing from others or feeling overwhelmed by stress.
“All of these events are about building trust and relationships,” she said. “Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it impacts how we live day to day.”
Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to participate in any of the events throughout the month.
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