Salisbury Police, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapter partner on Mental Health Fair, Saturday, May 4

The Salisbury Police Department is partnering with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Delta Xi Omega Chapter to host a free Mental Health Fair, Saturday, May 4, at Bell Tower Green, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 12 service agencies are expected to provide mental health resources to Fair attendees in recognition of National Mental Health Month.

“Movement: Moving More for Mental Health” will host music, entertainment and vendors, and feature mental health awareness speakers. The partnership brings together SPD’s victims’ advocacy focus and Alpha Kappa Alpha’s “collective efforts to fight the stigma of mental health and raise awareness related to depression, anxiety, and trauma.”

“As a public safety and service agency, Salisbury Police has always been a presence in the mental healthcare field whether we want to or not,” said Police Chief P.J. Smith. “We don’t only enforce the law. Law enforcement consistently engages with suspects who are suffering and victims’ families who experience the trauma of losing a loved one, and we advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves. It is fitting that we can partner with an organization like the AKA’s Delta Xi Omega Chapter to bring awareness.”

“In keeping with our mission “to be a Service to All Mankind”, Delta Xi Omega Chapter wants to par!cipate in educa!ng individuals about mental health treatment and recovery. We want to help our community access much-needed treatment services and support. We are trying to reach our community to share the warning signs, discuss diagnoses, and provide resources to ensure informa!on is available at every step. Working with the Salisbury Police Department creates a much-needed dialogue about mental health needs in our community.” Alisa Russell, President of Delta Xi Omega Chapter

“In keeping with our mission ‘to be a Service to All Mankind,’ Delta Xi Omega Chapter is educating individuals about mental health treatment and recovery,” said Alisa Russell, president of Delta Xi Omega Chapter. “Working with the Salisbury Police Department creates a much-needed dialogue about mental health needs in our community. We strive to help our community access much-needed treatment services and support by sharing the warning signs, discussing diagnoses, and providing resources to ensure information is available at every step.”

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health Month raises awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities.

In the event of rain, the event will be held at City Park Recreation Center, 316 Lake Drive. Food truck vendors interested in vending should contact (757) 945-0455.