May brings Mental Health Month again, and with it, the 4th Annual
Wellness Extravaganza, hosted by the Jackson County Behavioral Health and Public Health
Divisions. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 13th 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. “This event is all
about giving people simple, meaningful ways to take care of their well-being. Whether it’s
learning something new, making connections, or just having fun, we want everyone to walk away
with tools they can actually use in their everyday lives,” said Jessica Stinson, Event Organizer and
Behavioral Health Manager.
This year, community members are invited to experience the Arrive Alive Tour. This high-tech
simulator allows participants to experience, in a controlled environment, the potential
consequences of distracted and impaired driving so they don’t make the same mistakes in their
everyday lives.
421 Cty. Rd. R, Black River Falls, WI 54615
T: (715) 284-4301
F: (715) 284-7713
http://www.bhjacksoncounty.org
Research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety highlights the serious risks associated
with distracted driving. Studies show that reading or typing text messages significantly slows
reaction time, increases lane drifting, and takes drivers’ eyes off the road for longer periods of
time (Caird et al., 2014). Even hands-free cellphone use can impact driver awareness, as
cognitive distractions reduce a driver’s ability to process what they are seeing, despite looking
directly at the roadway (Recarte & Nunes, 2000; Recarte & Nunes, 2003; Reimer et al., 2012;
Strayer et al., 2003).
Additional research indicates that cognitive distraction can suppress brain activity related to
attention and visual processing, leading to “inattention blindness,” where drivers may fail to
recognize hazards even when they are in plain sight (Bowyer et al., 2009; Strayer et al., 2006;
Just et al., 2008; Strayer et al., 2003). The Arrive Alive Tour offers a powerful opportunity to
better understand these dangers firsthand and encourages safer decision-making behind the
wheel.
This year, community members are invited to experience the Arrive Alive Tour. This high-tech
simulator allows participants to experience- in a controlled environment, the potential
consequences of distracted driving and driving while intoxicated, so they don’t make the same
mistakes in their everyday lives.
Along with Arrive Alive Tour, 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, vision screening, and so much more! Some of the planned stations will
provide an opportunity for participants to create personalized items to take home such as values
bracelets, herb planters with recipe ideas, first aid kits, and gratitude cards. Other stations offer
education through experience such as puzzle power, fishing for beginners, dental hygiene, and
ways to improve sleep and work/life balance.
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.
421 Cty. Rd. R, Black River Falls, WI 54615
T: (715) 284-4301
F: (715) 284-7713
http://www.bhjacksoncounty.org
Again, this year, sponsors were sought to assist in supporting the event. Platinum sponsors
include: Hoffman Construction Company, Together for Jackson County Kids, Children’s
Wisconsin, Black River Health, Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls, Walmart, Theisen’s, and Lunda
Community Center. Gold sponsors include: Winona Controls Inc., Edge Graphics, Co-op Credit
Union, Great Rivers United Way, Gross Motors of Black River Falls, Inc., Lunda Construction, Kwik
Trip, Black River County Bank, Marianna Fitness Co., Buswell, Torgerson’s Jensen-Modjeski
Schiefelbein Funeral Homes, and Northwood Vet Service LLC. There were also numerous silver
and bronze sponsors who are appreciated for contributing to this community event allowing it to
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.