Long Beach to host mental health, AAPI community resource fair next week

May 8—Long Beach will host a community resource fair in honor of both Mental Health Awareness Month and Awareness Month and Asian American Pacific Islander Month later this week.

Both of those monthlong recognitions take place annually in May.

Long Beach will host its "Healing Through Community Resource Fair," for a day of celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 12, at MacArthur Park, 1321 E. Anaheim St.

The health department will host this free event in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

"As a community, we recognize the need to prioritize mental health and support our Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage," Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. "That's why Long Beach is proud to host a healing resource fair in partnership with the LA County Department of Mental Health."

The even will feature food, music and other performances, and various activities designed to promote wellness.

Attendees will receive flower leis upon their arrival and free meals from Lee's Sandwiches. They will also be able to connect with exhibitors from AAPI-serving organizations in attendance, according to a press release.

The resource fair will raise awareness of local mental health resources for community members and provide information tables from local community-based organizations and businesses.

Attendees will also have a chance to win prizes from raffles.

Entertainment will include mental health and wellness activities demonstrated by exhibitors; community members are also welcome to share their art through dancing, music, poetry and more on stage.

The resource fair, according to the city's press release, is one of the steps the health department is taking to normalize and destigmatize mental health and create greater access to resources that can support community members — part of Long Beach's Mental Health Matters Awareness Campaign.

That campaisn also aligns with Goal 4 of Long Beach's Racial and Reconciliation Initiative, which is intended to increase investment in mental health and trauma services, including facilities, professionals, community response and culturally tailored resources.

"The Health Department is continuing to increase the accessibility of resources for mental health and wellness," Kelly Colopy, director of the city's Department of Health and Human Services, said in a statement. "It is vital that we create collaborative community events like this in the heart of vibrant neighborhoods in Long Beach."

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