WINONA, Minn. (KTTC) – Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) held its 6th annual “Bringing Light into Darkness” gathering, a community awareness event for mental health and substance use disorder.
The free event ran from 4:30 to 9:30 pm behind the HVMHC building and featured various activities for families, including inflatable bounce-houses, a silent auction, live music from Ryan Sullivan and Them Coulee Boys, and a community mental health resource fair.
However, the main attraction was a new petting zoo with chickens, ducks, a rabbit, and even a miniature Highland cow named Posh.
Later in the evening, community speakers presented their stories on overcoming mental health challenges and finding support within their communities.
HVMHC’s marketing and communications coordinator, Ryan Buhler, emphasized the importance that a community plays in supporting those who are struggling.
“Having a big community awareness event and getting people together, celebrating mental health awareness, having some food, having some fun and getting people together and getting them out just seems like an important way and a good way to try to break down that stigma,” Buhler said.
HVMHC manages a mental health crisis unit available 24/7 in Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona Counties. You can reach it by calling 1-844-274-7472.
For people outside of those counties, help is available by calling or texting 988.
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