"Green Out" day builds mental health awareness

May has been designated “Mental Health Awareness Month” by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, a not-for-profit organization based in Washington D.C. Many local governments affirm this observance by making local declarations.

The Waseca County Board of Commissioners also joined in naming May 16 “Green Out Day,” encouraging organizations and groups to show their support by wearing green. The Waseca County Courthouse was lit green that evening in observance of the day.

Colin Ayers, public health educator with the Waseca and LeSueur County Community Health Board commented “A major goal for mental health awareness is to build understanding that mental health applies to everyone; mental health is an accumulation of everything we do such as what we eat and drink, who we talk to, what we listen to, and whom we surround ourselves with.”

Members of the Waseca County Suicide Prevention Cohort helped promote the second annual Green Out Day last Thursday. 

As was done last year, students of Waseca County schools were given stickers created in collaboration by Pastor Jillene Gallatin, senior pastor of Grace Lutheran Church;  Colin Ayers and Ashely Killday of Public Health; and Nick Wobig of the organization Small Town Media. 

In addition to the stickers, Gallatin distributed posters and green ribbons to business owners to let them know about the day. Said Gallatin, “Everyone was incredibly supportive  and willing to wear green and display posters. It’s good to recognize we all have a part both in taking care of our own mental wellness and in supporting others in caring for theirs.”  Pictures were shared on social media of staff of local businesses wearing green.  

For the first time this year, a service dog also took part in the day by visiting the Waseca Junior/Senior High School. Gallatin explained that school social worker Jenny Sandbeck had learned school staff members were interested in having a service dog demonstrate there are many ways to support mental wellness.  Gallatin reached out to Believet Canine Service Partners in Northfield and invited organization volunteer Scott Listberger and his service dog in training Ali to be a part of the day.  Gallatin commented that the pair was well received. (For more information about Believet contact them at info@believet.org).

In a continuing effort to call attention to mental health, Gallatin also led yoga sessions for students at JWP on May 23.  

Said Gallatin, “Annual events like Green Out Day, encouraging people to ask for help when needed, and continuing conversations about our mental health are vital in creating connected and healthy communities.” 

Waseca school social worker Jenny Sandbeck observed, “As we become more mindful of the significant impact mental health challenges can have on a student’s overall well being, it is critical to get the word out about the importance of managing, treating, and being aware of one’s own mental health.” Sandbeck shared that, in addition to the programs already mentioned, observances of mental health awareness at the Waseca Jr/Sr High School included daily announcements about mental health, posters being placed around the building, and “Wellness Challenge Bingo” with prizes.