Social Model Recovery Systems hosted a successful first-ever Multicultural Wellness Festival organized by Dr. Anna Lee, SMRS Director of Innovation, and Mike Schaub, SMRS Senior Director of Community Relations.
Dr. Lee secured the grant for the wellness event that was held on June 13th at the Diamond Bar Center, in support of the Take Action for Mental Health campaign sponsored by the Los Angeles Mental Health Department (LACDMH) and the California Mental Health Services Authority (CALMHSA) to promote mental health awareness.
The Take Action for Mental Health campaign is designed to help you check in, learn more, and get support for yourself or someone you care about.
It highlights the richness of diverse cultures and promotes holistic well-being for all participants. It is designed to celebrate and spotlight various wellness practices, traditions, and customs from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The event started with the introduction message from our Senior Director of Community Relations, Mike Schaub, followed by performances, exhibitions, and demonstrations that highlighted the cultural heritage and wellness practices of different communities.
We also had a yoga instructor who facilitated a session for all the participants. Yoga is a fantastic way to promote physical health, mental well-being, and relaxation.
Renowned speakers, wellness experts, and community leaders gave their inspiring and educational talks like Emily Wu-Truong, an award-winning storyteller for emotional resilience and healing; Micah Gauthier, who founded and operates Mental Restoration Foundation; Sandra Jorgensen, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a great passion for helping people eat well and regain health; and Curtis Drafton, the founder of US Veteran Hall of Fame.
The goal of the event was to focus on decreasing stigma and discrimination, increasing help-seeking behaviors, increasing awareness of and access to mental health services and resources, and addressing one or more negative effects or activities of untreated mental illness.
Multicultural Wellness also seeks to create an atmosphere of cultural appreciation, holistic well-being, and community connection. It provides a platform for individuals from various backgrounds to learn, celebrate, and explore different wellness practices, fostering a more inclusive and diverse understanding of well-being.
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and it’s important to prioritize it just as we do our physical health. TOGETHER, we can make a big difference.
