Cumberland Mountain Community Services Announces
“SWVA Community Connections” event series for May Mental Health Awareness Month
Exploring Local Opportunities for Promoting Mental Wellness
Beginning in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed across the US to promote wellness, educate communities, reduce stigma, and bring attention to the millions of people affected by mental illness. In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, Cumberland Mountain Community Services and its community partners in Buchanan, Russell, and Tazewell Counties is excited to announce “SWVA Community Connections,” a series of events throughout the month of May to identify and explore local opportunities for promoting mental wellness through:
- Social Connection
- Natural Recreation
- Fitness & Physical Exercise
- Nutrition & Healthy Living
At each event, a prevention specialist will be available to connect participants to mental health resources and offer information on services provided by Cumberland Mountain Community Services.
“SWVA Connections” will kick-off with a Mental Health Summit on Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 9:30 am to 3 pm at the Appalachian Arts Center in Center. At the Summit, attendees will learn:
- Tell Your Mental Health Story from someone with lived experience
- Connect with Your Community through Local Opportunities to Support Mental Wellness
- Be Trauma-Informed to Counter the Effects of ACES & Unhealthy Living
- Become a Suicide-Alert Helper and learn steps to help prevent suicide
The Summit is free to attend, and lunch will be provided. Registration is open at https://SWVAMentalHealthSummit.eventbrite.com
Social Connection Events:
- May 13, 3-5:30 pm, Tazewell Community Cookout at Hearts & Horizons Resource Center, 3380 East Riverside Dr. North Tazewell, VA
- May 19, 4:30-6:30 pm, Lebanon Rock Painting Party, Fox Meadows Community Room, 35 Fox Meadow Dr, Lebanon, Virginia
- May 27, 10 am, Fishing for Good Mental Health at the Grundy Town Center, 1179 Riverview St, Grundy, VA 24614
Natural Recreation Events:
- May 14, 3 pm- Guided Hike at the Breaks Interstate Park, Geological Trail, 627 Commission Circle, Haysi, VA 24256
- May 20, 1 pm, Kayak the Clinch, Clinch Life Outfitters, 3022 5th Ave, St. Paul, VA, Register at https://MHAMClinchKayak.eventbrite.com
- May 24, 5 pm, Forest Therapy Walk, Shelter 1, Graham Recreation Park, 27695 Gov. GC Peery Highway, Bluefield, VA
Fitness & Physical Exercise Events:
- May 12, 9 am - 3 pm, Open House at Next Level Fitness Club, 1806 E Main St, Lebanon, VA
- May 22-28, Free Days for Mental Health at Buchanan County YMCA, 1059 Golden Wave Dr, Grundy, VA 24614, Register at https://MHAMBuchYMCA.eventbrite.com
- May 31, 10 am - 2 pm, Open House at Jenny Mae Fitness Centers in Rosedale & Lebanon, 10 AM- 2 PM, 17861 US HWY 19, Rosedale, VA & 828 E Main St, Lebanon, VA
Nutrition & Healthy Living:
- May 16, 3-6 pm, Mental Health Day at Tazewell Farmers Market, Old Ramey Lot, 2330 Fincastle Turnpike, North Tazewell, VA
- May 17, 10 am - 2 pm, Mental Health Day at Lebanon Farmers Market, Highlands Dr, Lebanon, VA
- May 22, 5 pm, Grundy Food Demonstration & Nutrition Talk, Buchanan Co. Public Library, 1185 Poe Town St, Grundy, VA
For questions, contact:
Prevention Services
Cumberland Mountain Community Services
Tel: (276) 964-6702
Email:
prevention@cmcsb.com
















