GREENFIELD – A community program to let people know they’re not alone and help is available to face tough life issues is coming up.
The annual Rise Above It health and wellness event is 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 9 at Greenfield-Central High School, 810 N. Broadway St., Greenfield.
Amanda Hinkle, local systems coordinator for Hancock Health Connection Center, said the free community program kicked off in 2017 as a way to focus on mental health in the county.
“It’s open to all ages; there’s something for everyone,” Hinkle said. “2023 is our seventh year, as we average anywhere from 200 to 300 people at the event each year. We always have at least a couple of people after the event send an email, phone call or reach out in some shape or form to emphasize the impact of what it made on them.”
The event will take place in the cafeteria of the high school while some stations will be in other nearby locations. Rise Above It has been hosted at local high schools each year, but Hinkle said there’s no need to be affiliated with the school to attend. She anticipates the central location this year will be beneficial for attendance.
Self-care stations include chair massage, coloring pages and fidgets, exercise, deep breathing techniques, hair and nails, and food.
The theme this year is “It Starts with You” to emphasize the self-care aspect and “in order to take care of others, you have to take care of yourself,” Hinkle said.
Information booths are provided, and participants are encouraged to learn about services available in and around Hancock County by visiting 40 informational tables. Changing Footprints will be on site to inform about free shoes for families, Bentley’s Buddies and Friends will have therapy dogs to read to and 913 Sports will have stationary biking, for example.
The event will also feature a space for adults only: “Hidden in Plain Sight” is a simulation of a teenager’s bedroom, designed to educate parents and guardians about pro-drug messages in clothing; products designed to stash alcohol and drugs and more.
Narcan training is also geared toward adults, as is a domestic violence simulation in the library titled “In Her Shoes.”
“The event will be fun, light-hearted, a social outlet; and we also recognize it’s a mental health awareness event and we need to talk about the tough things too,” Hinkle said. “The information tables are categorized in their area of expertise. We have a section of tables that are all mental health-related resources, one that’s healthcare education, early childhood, community and social context, and substance misuse resources.”
Parents that might need a little help watching their kids while they step into adult-only areas for a few minutes will find kid-friendly stations right outside those areas. High school volunteers will be on hand to keep an eye on children for a few minutes as they color or play with fidget toys.
Hinkle said every year she’s grateful to local high schools for assisting. Representatives from all four public school corporations help plan the event annually, and there are always plenty of passionate teens willing to lend a hand.
“We don’t talk about our feelings and personal things we are going through enough and we hope that with this event, it gives people tools and strategies for coping, the confidence to reach out for help and knowing that they are not alone,” Hinkle said. “The Connection Center is here to help you get connected to all types of services. Whether it’s mental or physical health, substance misuse, services for youth to seniors, basic needs like insurance, employment, childcare, etc., our support navigators can provide warm handoffs and follow up to ensure you are getting connected to the right place the first time.
Pre-registration is preferred, but registration is also available at the door the day of the event. Register at behealthy365.org/RiseAboveIt. For questions, call 317-468-4231 or email [email protected].
