Florida A&M University (FAMU) and SheSpeaksSolutions (SSS) will host the World Mental Health Day Expo on Friday, October 3, from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the FAMU campus in Tallahassee. The event is free and open to the public.
The expo’s theme this year is “Exploring the Power of Alternative Modalities.” The event will focus on wellness approaches such as sound healing, mindfulness and meditation, art and music therapy, herbal and nutritional supports, and culturally informed healing practices. Attendees can also access community resources and observe live demonstrations during the expo.
“World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the holistic well-being of our students and the community,” said Louis L. Dilbert, Ph.D., director of Military and Veteran Affairs/TRIO Educational Opportunity Center. “We want to create a platform to normalize to conversations about mental health and showcase healing practices that reflect the experiences of our community.”
LiTeena L. Parks serves as CEO & founder of SSS, a not-for-profit organization with a mission to enhance educational opportunities and support for mental health issues in diverse, high-risk, underserved communities. SSS was inspired by real-life experiences with mental health challenges affecting individuals, their families, friends, and supporters.
“There is no cookie-cutter approach to mental wellness because it looks different for people of all generations. Partnering with a great community resource such as FAMU allows us to reach more people, break stigmas, and empower individuals to take ownership of their wellbeing. Together, we’re creating a space where people can explore alternatives and find what resonates for them,” Parks said.
The expo invites participation from students, faculty, staff, alumni, as well as members of the broader Tallahassee community.
SheSpeaksSolutions is based in Riverview, Florida. It was established in August 2019 as a not-for-profit corporation focused on providing education opportunities and assistance primarily related to mental health issues within diverse high-risk communities.
