The Conifer Rotary will host a free mental wellness and health fair Feb. 17. MindFest-Living Your Best Life is planned from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Pines Church. And it has clearly struck a chord — drawing more prospective organizations than planners can accommodate.
“We have 100% of our tables full,” said Yvonne Lipson, secretary of the Conifer Rotary. “We’ve had to turn away a number of vendors at this point because we have no more space.”
The Rotary is responding to a great and often unvoiced need. In the U.S., a recent Gallup poll shows depression rates have reached an all-time recorded high, and loneliness is considered a national epidemic. Other studies show suicide is the leading cause of death in Coloradans aged 10-18. In rural areas, studies show higher rates of both depression and anxiety, with typically fewer options for care.
MindFest aims to help bridge that gap, as well as educate and even entertain participants — all at no cost.
“In doing the research, we found the biggest reason people don’t get the help they need is access to care,” said Lipson, a retired family physician. “That can be geographical or financial. A lot of the organizations that will be represented at MindFest offer low- and reduced-cost therapy.
“Our goal is to equip our communities with information and tools they can use immediately to promote their own mental wellbeing. We also want to reduce stigma and normalize the mental health conversation. You do not have to have a mental health issue to benefit from this.”
The day is designed to be a mix of activities and information, including some just for fun. Representatives from 30 organizations offering traditional and nontraditional mental health therapies will be on hand, including Resilience 1220, Robbie’s Hope and the National Alliance for Mental Illness.
Eight speakers are scheduled throughout the day, talking about subjects ranging from cyberbullying to anxiety. Keynote speaker Vincent Atatchy, president of Mental Health Colorado, will talk about the definition of a mentally well community and how to create one.
Games like self-esteem bingo, a scavenger hunt and a mood jar assembly station are also on the docket, as well as raffles and swag bags.
“We all know laughter is the best medicine, so there will be a number of opportunities to be silly and laugh,” Lipson said. “We’re not meant to be serious all the time. We were meant to laugh and have fun.”
Like almost one-third of U.S. adults, Lipson herself has suffered from depression.
“I hate admitting that, but that is part of the issue we see with mental health care — people are ashamed to admit it,” she said. “That’s why this subject is so near and dear to my heart. I’ve had tremendous therapists, and that has helped me live my best life.”
While Conifer Rotary is leading the event, volunteers from multiple area Rotary clubs, Conifer Newcomers and Neighbors, the National Charity League and Jefferson Unitarian Church will also lend a hand. The Conifer Rotary also received a $3,000 grant to help put on MindFest.
MindFest is intended to be an annual affair, Lipson said.
For more information, visit MindFest-Living Your Best Life on the Conifer Rotary Club’s website.