Free community mental health day in Federal Way
Federal Way MirrorSep 25, 2020
Amid a pandemic, social injustices, smoke and wildfires, local organizations are working to ensure mental health comes first in
Local organizations are hosting a free community mental health day this weekend for people who have been historically marginalized, especially individuals of the Black community in
Community members have access to free in-person and online mental health resources, along with free COVID-19 testing, from
Hosted by NAACP Seattle King County, Public Health Seattle -
The stress of current events impacting minorities and members of the LGBTQ+ community cannot be ignored, said DeAunte' Damper, the first LGBTQ chair of the
"Because of COVID, our community isn't getting the resources they need, so we wanted to provide that," Damper said.
On top of a pandemic, which has taken the lives of more than 200,000 people in
For months, community members and activists have taken to the streets to protest the killings of
Because of these traumatic experiences most of the nation is going through, "life is really at a standstill, nationally and in
Damper said he went through his own phases of doubt, fear and sadness that resulted in him recently seeking mental health help. A community mental health event provides a space for people to seek help, even when the conversation of therapy and other mental health resources can be seen as taboo in minority communities, he said.
The
"I want the community to know these organizations are here and regardless of what's going on, we need to continue to heal each other," he said. "We don't want you to go through it alone."
The idea for this mental health event, the first of which occurred in
A driving force for bringing this event to
"The FW Black Collective is an essential example of what community looks like," Damper said of the nonprofit's wrap around services. He also commended the mentorship of collective co-founder
This week
Additionally, people are at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, substance use problems and suicide, among other mental and emotional difficulties, KNKX reported.
In-person details
Free, 30-minute sessions with mental health providers and free COVID-19 testing will be available for all onsite at the Performing Arts and Event Center. Drive-thru sessions will also be available.
When:
Where: Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, 31510 Pete von
Online access details
If community members prefer the safety and privacy of their own homes, the event also features free, 30-minute remote sessions with mental health providers. These sessions will happen via private and secure Zoom calls from
To sign up for online sessions, email Norilyn.DelaPena@kingcounty.gov.