Humboldt County Supervisors Virginia Bass and Rex Bohn dance some dance moves to support Mental Health Month. Photo: DHHS.

From the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services:

The Mental Health Walk filled H Street’s sidewalks on Tuesday as more than 100 supporters marched for stigma reduction.

Leaving from the Hope Center at noon, participants carrying signs, and accompanied by a marching band, walked to the courthouse for a rally that was joined by elected officials including supervisors Virginia Bass, Rex Bohn and Estelle Fennell.

Members of the Eureka Police Department and Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies participated in the walk.

“It’s important for people to see that people struggling with mental illness are our neighbors, friends and family members,” said Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services Health Education Specialist Sarah Nelson. “The best way to change lives is to have an ongoing public conversation about mental wellness.”

One in every four Americans experiences some form of mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Mental health issues affect people regardless of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, social or economic status.

Mental Health Month activities will continue throughout May. For a full calendar of events, and additional photos, visit www.facebook.com/humcodhhs.

 Humboldt County Undersheriff Willam Honsal, with Supervisor Estelle Fennell in the background.

Eureka Police Chief Andy Mills.

Virginia Bass speaks.