In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, it's important to learn what is available to us as a community. The Village is here to share with you facts, resources and tools to help navigate the challenges.

Fast Facts:

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year

Women are more likely to get help for mental health issues

90% of those who die by suicide have an underlying mental health illness

18% of Americans live with an anxiety disorder, and 6.9% suffer from severe depression

Helpful Resources:

The Mental Health Coalition, in its 1-2-1 series, is talking with influencers and mental health advocates every day this month to help change culture and destigmatize mental health. You can watch each video, or tune in live every day, here.

The Mental Health Awareness Month Partner Toolkit constructed by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Spreading awareness through its #MentalHealth4All Campaign, AFSP's toolkit provides social graphics, resources for mental health, and stories of those struggling.

Seize the Awkward's Video 'Whatever Gets You Talking' feature stars like Addison Rae and Meghan Trainor showcasing the many ways you can reach out to a friend and talk to them about mental health this month.

The first days of Spring included returning Sarah's Bench to Easton's favorite, Ames Free Library Garden. The Foundation is grateful to have a spot to sit under the sunshine, reflect on stories of Sarah, and think of ways to continue to be kind and help others. Stop by if you're in the area for a mental recharge!

The Foundation is also grateful to our friends at Easton Fitness for their generous donation. We couldn't do it without our partners Dayne, Joe and Joanne.

Finally, this month SVF is happy to announce a $1,000 donation made to Samaritans, an organization that works to prevent suicide and support those who have lost someone to suicide. Each year, 300+ volunteers answer more than 80,000 calls, texts, and chats on their Helpline.

Be sure to follow us on social media for all SVF updates!

Next month, we will share with you our newly upgraded Foundation website! Stay tuned for the official unveiling on social media and through email communications!

This Summer, the Board will gather for its first in-person meeting. While we plan to have some fun in the sun together, we also plan to spend time building plans for the Foundation to help support resources in schools for the '21-'22 academic year.

This Fall, we look forward to joining our friends at the AFSP Easton, MA Walk on Sept. 25. Save the date! More information to come.