May brings Mental Health Month again and with it, the 2nd
Annual Wellness Extravaganza, hosted by the Jackson County Behavioral Health and
Public Health Divisions. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 15th from 4:30 to
7:30 PM at the Milt Lunda Ice Arena, located at 388 Melrose Street in Black River Falls,
WI. This free event will highlight the importance of physical health, mental health, and
social connectedness in overall wellness. This year additional stations and activities
have been added to hit on all 8 dimensions of wellness: emotional, physical, intellectual,
spiritual, environmental, financial, occupational, and social.
New this year, sponsors were sought to assist in supporting the event. Last year a large
grant received by the Department of Health Human Services’ Birth to 3 program helped
cover the cost of the event. Platinum sponsors include Lunda Community Center,
Courtesy Corporation, and Black River Memorial Hospital. Gold level sponsors include
Gross Motors of Black River Falls, Children’s Wisconsin, Co-op Credit Union,
Torgerson-Buswell-Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Homes, Krohn Clinic LTD, Hoffman
Construction Co., Ho-Chunk Gaming, Weld Riley, #WillPProject, Quartz, and Black
River Falls Lions Club. There were also numerous silver and bronze sponsors.
Relationships or the pressures of performing at work or school are things we all know
can have an impact on mental health, but sometimes it’s less obvious when the world
around you is what’s causing problems. Whether you realize it or not, one or maybe all
these things are probably affecting your mental health in some way right now: current
events, loneliness, social drivers or social determinants, and technology. Social
determinants are the conditions in which you live, work, learn, and play. These can
include economic status, education, your neighborhood, access to resources (nutritious
food, health care, green space, transportation, etc.) and social inclusion. Ironically, while
our devices make us more connected than ever, loneliness is an increasing serious
public health concern. We are now able to have conversations with friends and family
on the other side of the world in real time. However, constant connection also means
that we will know if we weren’t invited to a friend’s party down the street. We also find
ourselves constantly comparing ourselves to others and wanting as many likes and
comments as possible. The Wellness Extravaganza brings an event where community
members can connect “in person” and learn ways they can care for their overall
wellness, which in turn helps their mental wellness. “We really have wanted this event
from the start to be a fun, interactive way, for community members to learn ways they
can improve their mental wellness. We want each attendee to walk away with new skills
and ideas that they can incorporate in their life for little to no cost” said Jessica Stinson,
Event Organizer and Jackson County Behavioral Health Manager.
“We have partnered with many individuals and agencies and are excited to offer a
variety of activities and resources to promote all the dimensions of wellness,” said
Stephanie Kennedy, Event Organizer and Jackson County Behavioral Health Social
Worker. From informative and interactive stations and Black River Falls Fire and
Rescue smoke house demonstrations to inflatables, prizes, face painting, and new this
year, hair tinsel, there’s something for everyone at the Jackson County Wellness
Extravaganza. The event offers something for all ages!
Attendees will be able to participate in interactive and informational stations where they
will learn about nutrition, mental health, substance abuse, financial wellness, dental
care, car seat safety, outside and summer safety, internet safety, physical activity, fire
safety, occupational wellness, music and dance with licensed music therapists, and so
much more. There will be an opportunity for vision screenings and therapy animals
Harrison, Brutus, Snickers, and Louis will be in attendance to show how connections
with animals help with wellness. In addition, there will be stations where youth can make
items to take home, such as iSpy bottles and affirmation decorations. A new station was
added this year to promote connecting with nature and finding purpose and hobbies.
Attendees will be able to pot a flower to care for after the event. In addition, the Jackson
County ADRC will be offering Bingocize and the Lunda Community Center will be
offering short sessions to promote physical fitness, including line dancing at 5:10 p.m.,
family dance fitness at 6:10 p.m., and fierce fit kids at 7:10 p.m. The Yoga Studio will be
offering sessions to address mind, body, and spirit, to include yoga at 4:40 p.m.,
breathwork at 5:40 p.m., and meditation and mindfulness at 6:40 p.m. Attendees will
have the chance to win prizes, some of which were donated by generous businesses in
the community. Prizes include a Wonderfold Wagon, AirPods, Kwik Trip gift cards,
Lunda Center passes, free sessions to The Yoga Studio, scooter, Hoffman Aquatic
Center passes, Lululemon Belt Bag, Stanley cup, free Dunkin’, soccer set, climbing
dome, and so much more!
Jackson County Behavioral Health will also continue their Green Ribbon Campaign in
the Black River Falls community as well as yard signs in the various Jackson County
communities, encouraging individuals to support mental health awareness and
advocacy.
The Jackson County Wellness Extravaganza is organized by Jackson County
Behavioral Health, Jackson County Public Health, as well as many partners and
vendors that will be assisting with the event. It is open to all members of the community.
The ADRC of Jackson County will be providing free transportation to any Jackson
County residents in need. In order to receive transportation to and from the event, you
can call 715-284-3978 to get signed up by May 8th. A free meal will be provided while
supplies last.
For more information about the Jackson County Wellness Extravaganza, please visit
Jackson County Behavioral Health’s website at http://www.bhjacksoncounty.org or check out
the Facebook event page on Jackson County Public Health’s page!
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