Mental Health Fair brings awareness, information to Southern Campus

Photographer: Joshua Spradlin, Ohio University Southern StudentParticipants learn about Hopes Place and various behavioral and mental health resources in the Tri-State area.

IRONTON, Ohio – The Southern Campus hosted its 11th annual Mental Health Fair in Mains Rotunda on Wednesday, Oct. 25. More than 20 area organizations were on hand to educate students and community members about behavioral and mental health services in the Tri-State area. 

Associate Professor Dr. Kristi Barnes is the Ohio University Southern Campus program liaison for the Psychology Program. She is also the fair organizer on behalf of the department, and she believes the event is a valuable resource for the community. 

“It is so important to raise awareness—both in our campus community and the region—about issues that are generally stigmatized,” Barnes said. “The Mental Health Fair provides a friendly environment for individuals to learn what is available and to access needed services.”

Student Natalie Fyffe agreed. She and her nursing classmates stopped by the fair out of curiosity but ended up learning useful information that they can take with them when they begin their career in the healthcare industry. 

“We learned that there are a lot of options that people here may not know about,” Fyffe said. “It was interesting.” 

One of the featured activities at this year’s fair was part of the #PutTheNailInIt campaign to raise awareness and to help end domestic violence. The ACTION Psychology Club members painted volunteer participant’s ring fingers purple to show that they were part of the initiative and to empower anyone to start a conversation about domestic violence and end the silence that so often allows it to continue. Those who participated were asked to share on social media with the campaign’s hashtag. 

Photographer: Teresa McKenzieA volunteer paints ring fingers purple in support of the #PutTheNailInIt campaign to end domestic violence.