Better Together for Mental Health!

The sun shined and the crowds came to Stewart Park in Ithaca on May 13 for “Better Together for Mental Health,” an all-day festival to celebrate National Mental Health Month and raise awareness about support services in Tompkins County. Gratitude to Family & Children’s Service of Ithaca, Health and Unity for Greg, Jaydn McCune, Sandy True, Gloria Coicou, Don Manuel Presents, and all the other organizers and supporters of this important community event.

Michelle and Kayla Eells of Health and Unity for Greg

Attending the event in Stewart Park, Mayor Laura Lewis proclaimed May 2023 as “Mental Health Awareness Month” in the City of Ithaca “to increase public understanding of the importance of mental health and to promote identification and treatment of mental illness.”

“Every citizen and community can make a difference in helping end the silence and stigma that for too long has surrounded mental illness and discouraged people from getting help,” Lewis added. “Public education and physical activities such as today’s can encourage mental health and help improve the lives if individuals and families affected by mental illness.”

Nate the Great

Scuba Jerry

Evo Evolution

NEO Project

Crossroads the Clown

GIAC Jumpers

Family & Children’s Service of Ithaca

Alicia Kenaley of F&CS and Kari Burke of Ithaca City School District

Open Doors

Stacy Ayres and Crystal Howser

Mental Health Association in Tompkins County

Olivia Duell of The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County

Cornell Health’s Julie Edwards and Catherine Thrasher-Carroll

Tompkins Families

The Sophie Fund

Mental Health Heroes Wall

“One Thing I Do to Feel Better”

Mayor Laura Lewis

Luna Inspired Street Food

On the Street Pita

Purity Ice Cream

Meg-a-Moo’s Ice Creeam

Thanks to all the Sponsors! Health and Unity for Greg, Johnson & Johnson Services, Sciarabba Walker & Co., The Sophie Fund, True Insurance, Kinney Drugs, Northwestern Mutual, and Warren Real Estate