May brings Mental Health Month again, and with it, the 3rd Annual Wellness Extravaganza, hosted by the Jackson County Behavioral Health and Public Health Divisions. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 14th 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 how our mental health and physical health are connected, but also how all eight wellness domains (physical, emotional, social, intellectual, occupational, spiritual, environmental and financial) affect each other.
According to Mental Health America, one in five people will experience a mental health
condition in any given year, and everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental
health. We know that mental health is deeply personal, and what works for one person may not
work for another, making it important to explore multiple practices and treatments that may fit
one’s unique needs and circumstances. By exploring all dimensions of wellness and making
positive changes in each area, you can create a healthier and happier lifestyle. “Our focus
continues to be on all aspects of wellness, where we can provide small doses of information
about topics related to mental health and provide activities that may spark the learning of new
skills or habits that would have little to no cost associated with them, all while participants have
fun and make social connections,” said Jessica Stinson, Event Organizer and Behavioral Health
Manager.
This year, Jackson County Behavioral Health was awarded the Community Cares Grant made
possible by Ashley for the Arts, in the amount of $10,000. This grant enabled the Behavioral Health Division to collaborate with nationally recognized artist and art therapist, Elizabeth Bryan-
Jacobs to bring The Spread Your Wings Project to the Wellness Extravaganza, encouraging community participation and mental wellness education through hands-on art therapy. Elizabeth
Bryan-Jacobs will guide community members in creating a large-scale angel wing set, which will be displayed somewhere in Jackson County. Participants attending the Wellness Extravaganza
will have the opportunity to create their individual feathers that will form the final project,
symbolizing hope and healing.
In addition to The Spread Your Wings Project, Jackson County Behavioral Health has partnered
with the Black River Falls School District, Ho-Chunk Nation Youth Services, and the Jackson
County BOBCAT Team, to bring attendees the Wake Up Call Bedroom by the Addiction Resource
Council. This life-sized display offers a walk through a teenager’s bedroom featuring over 20 red
flags that may indicate substance use, practical information on current drug trends, and
proactive parenting strategies to help ensure that children are not using harmful substances.
Along with The Spread Your Wings Project and Wake Up Call Bedroom, attendees will be able to
participate in many other interactive and informational stations where they will learn about
mental health, nutrition, physical activity, connecting with nature, caregiver/child connection,
end of life planning, and so much more. There will be stations where participants can make items
to take home such as a personalized journal, bird feeder, cleaning solutions, and more.
Attendees will also have the chance to win prizes, some of which were donated by generous
businesses in the community. From interactive stations to inflatables, prizes, therapy animals,
face painting and hair tinsel, there is something for everyone at the Jackson County Wellness
Extravaganza.
Again, this year, sponsors were sought to assist in supporting the event. Platinum sponsors
include: Ashley for the Arts, Children’s Wisconsin, Northern Family Farms, Lunda Community
Center, Ho-Chunk Nation Youth Services, and Black River Health. Gold sponsors include: Buswell, Torgerson, Jensen-Modjeski, Schiefelbein Funeral Homes, Kwik Trip, Community Dental, Ho-
Chunk Gaming Black River Falls, Hoffman Construction Company, Co-Op Credit Union, Northwood Vet Service, Marianna Fitness, Black River Falls Dance, Black River Country Bank and WillPProject. There were also numerous silver and bronze sponsors who are appreciated for contributing to this event so it can happen.
The Jackson County Wellness Extravaganza is organized by Jackson County Behavioral Health and
Jackson County Public Health, as well as many partners and vendors who are 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. To receive transportation to and
from the event, you can call 715-284-4301 x391 to get signed up by May 7th. 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 by searching for Jackson County Public Health on Facebook.
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