In May of 2021, a mental health awareness campaign entitled, “Your Mental Health Matters: It's Okay to Not be Okay,” was launched in Fannin County. The campaign is the initiative of Fannin County Family Connection and many supporting organizations, including Blue Ridge Community Theater, Fannin County Division of Family & Children Services, Fannin County Public Library, Highland Rivers Health, Nor
th Georgia Autism Foundation, North Georgia Mountain Crisis Network, Inc., and The Craddock Center. The campaign launched in the month of May of 2021, which is observed annually as Mental Health Awareness month. The first event was a proclamation signing by the Fannin County Board of Commissioners declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Fannin County. "The goal of this campaign is to implement a community educational anti-stigma intervention and prevention campaign to change negative stereotypes around mental health," said Anna Speessen, Strategy Team Leader and Mental Health Awareness Campaign Coordinator. The objectives of the campaign:
• Gain knowledge about mental health and/or knowledge & confidence in how to help people who are experiencing a mental health issue
• Motivate adult community members to engage in more helpful or supportive behavior toward those with mental health issues
• Encourage individuals and families to seek needed services
"Through acceptance and mindfulness activities, we hope to change community values about mental health," Speessen said. In 2021, the campaign included a five-month television series. In 2022, the campaign transitioned to a year-long series in The News Observer. This year, we have transitioned into this Facebook awareness page. The mental health awareness campaign now meets quarterly via Zoom. To learn more contact Fannin County Family Connection at (706) 632-6063.
