Rogers-Lowell Area News

MINDfest Festival Highlights Local Mental Health Services

The MIND Coalition is excited to announce the second annual MINDfest NWA. The family friendly event will be held at Shiloh Square in Springdale, and feature live music, interactive vendor booths, and food trucks. Attendance to the festival is free, and all ages are welcome. It will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 14.

According to a recent survey by Mercy Hospital, mental health ranks second among NWA respondents as their biggest health concern. The mission of MINDfest is to decrease the stigma associated with mental illness, as well as highlight providers and services in the area. Last year, nearly 25 vendors participated, and the festival should be even larger in 2019.

This year’s event will include face painting, a group yoga session, a music therapy session, an art therapy tutorial, and a special address from Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse. A children’s activity area, including art and sensory activities will be featured as well. MINDfest is grateful for the support of local gold level sponsors Pillar Clinical Research, Springwoods Behavioral Health, and Walmart.

MINDfest is licensed through the MIND Coalition, out of Little Rock. The goal of the coalition is to increase awareness for mental health resources in Arkansas. Another primary objective is to educate the community through an interactive and open discussion about mental health. The hope is that MINDfest will promote integration among mental health professionals and the community. Contact Richard Lally or Nichole Gutierrez at mindcoalitionnwa@gmail.com for questions regarding the event.