Dozens of community groups plan to take part in a behavioral health expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Phoenix.
The free event is a chance to connect with crisis responders, the involuntary mental health system and outpatient providers.
“And so we have an array of folks to speak to. What goes on once you’re in the system. How do you get connected to the system. And what support do you have once you’re there,” said Chelsea Heintz, community services supervisor for Maricopa County Superior Court.
Organizers especially hope the expo will draw people of color and the LGBTQ community.
One group taking part makes training programs for police on how to handle mental health crises.
“We want to bring not only the mental health component, but also the justice component in order to get people services and connected in that community,” said Heintz.
The White House says 40% of all adults report having anxiety and depression.
A report on the State of Mental Health in America published by a national nonprofit ranks Arizona 49th overall.
