SLP to work on mental health stigma
Health in the Park initiative tries to spread awareness
February 4, 2015
The city started the Health in the Park (HIP) initiative early last year. According to their online page, it is a grass-roots initiative which is creating connections, conversations and actions to make St. Louis Park a healthier and more active community.
This year, HIP plans to focus on mental health and the stigma surrounding it. To kick-off the spreading of awareness and education, they are hosting a meeting to discuss mental health.
Jean Olson, outreach worker for HIP, said HIP decided narrowing in on mental health would be greatly beneficial for SLP and it partnered with Park Nicollet and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
“We decided we’d like to create a community conversation to create awareness and break down the stigma of mental illness. We will also create resources to help with mental well being,” Olson said.
Meteorologist Ken Barlow from KSTP is the keynote speaker. Olson said Barlow will share his story, and then people will be able to discuss their reaction and how they think mental illness can be handled in SLP.
“Barlow has bipolar disorder and spent years hiding it,” Olson said. “A number of years ago, he came out about it and told his story to thousands of people, and since has become a spokesperson for breaking down the stigma of mental illness.”
Sophomore Noah Smith said he thinks the meeting could be essential in spreading awareness throughout the city.
“I think it will benefit the community because I do agree there is a stigma surrounding mental illness. It’s a big problem because kids bully and joke about it, which has an effect on those suffering from it,” Smith said.
Olson said HIP hopes this meeting will create a healthier and more aware community.
“If we can get this conversation happening, people will start looking at the issue and be proactive,” Olson said. “They will ask for help and ask earlier on.”
Barlow will speak from 1:30-2:45 p.m., then there will be a community conversation from 2:45-4:00 p.m. on February 8 in the St. Louis Park Middle School Gym. Pre-registration is online, but those not registered will not be turned away.
