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2023

Mental Health Awareness Calendar

(OCHCA)

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the focus is on building positive mental health. Developing and maintaining healthy environments is key to good health and wellbeing. During our busy days, it can be difficult to find the time to enjoy nature. However, did you know that simply getting 10-15 minutes of natural sunlight a day can help boost positive energy? Spending time outdoors enjoying the greenery is also a protective factor for children against many mental illnesses (Read more about it here). It doesn’t take much–opening a window in the home can have positive impacts on our emotions. You can click the following link to learn more about mental health and the various treatments available (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Positive health is more feasible when there is a strong sense of community. Social connections outside of the home are linked to improved health outcomes and decreased feelings of loneliness. Creating connections by joining a support group, enrolling in a class, or visiting a local gallery can help to increase your positive mindset. Learn more about the importance of social connections here and be sure to check out our calendar of events below!

Submit Your Event!

Do you have an upcoming June mental health & wellness awareness event in Orange County you would like some support in promoting? Please use this form to let us know about it and we can include it on our monthly calendar of events.

*Please be sure to allow enough time for us to review your event information before we are able to post. There is usually a 2-week lead time minimum and we typically publish by the 15th of each month. Thank you!

Event Submission Form

Upcoming May Events

Happening in Orange County

Coping Plus (Spanish)

May 2, 2023 • 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living

307 Placentia Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92663

Workshop for adults to learn healthy coping skills to manage

stress and difficult emotions.                                               

Taller para adultos para aprender habilidades de afrontamiento saludables para manejar el estrés y las emociones difíciles.

Local Contact’s Name: Alejandra Aguayo

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Email Alejandra for More Info >

Healthy Coping Methods for Vietnamese Older Adults

May 2, 2023 • 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wesley Village

10882 Stanford Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92840

The Mental Health Awareness for Vietnamese Speakers is hosting an educational and social event to help participants better identify emotional and mental health challenges. Participants will learn to build a succulent plant arrangement to incorporate the theme of “Spring into Mental Health”. The goal is not only to help the plant grow healthy but also to help participants have a positive vibe throughout the day.

Local Contact’s Name: Vinh Vo

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Register on Eventbrite >

Queer Youth Art Collective (QYAC)

May 2, 2023 • 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

LGBTQ OC Center

1605 N. Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Want to boost your mental health while having fun and expressing yourself creatively? Then join us for our new youth leadership arts group, QYAC! Engaging in creative pursuits can have a positive impact on mental well-being, and we want to provide an inclusive space for you to explore your artistic side. Join us for weekly in-person Tuesday meetings at the LGBTQ Center OC and delve into paints, collages, jewelry-making, and more!

Local Contact’s Name: Stephanie VanDyke

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Register on Google >

Crisis and Substance Use Intervention

May 2, 2023 • 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Online Webinar

Join us for a candid conversation on the role of a crisis and substance use intervention specialist and ways families can set healthy boundaries. Hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness - Orange County (NAMI-OC)

Local Contact’s Name: Austin Messick

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Register on Eventbrite >

Virtual Tai Chi

May 3, 2023 • 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Online Webinar

Join us for an evening of self-care at our upcoming Tai Chi NAMI Night! This event is free of charge and open to families, friends, and anyone looking to unwind and have some fun. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the practice, you'll find this class to be an excellent opportunity to enhance your physical and mental well-being.

Local Contact’s Name: Austin Messick

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Register on Eventbrite >

Mental Health Education Class: Stress Reduction

May 4, 2023 • 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (English class) or 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (Spanish)

Abrazar Midway Office

14900 Park Ln., Midway City, CA 92655

Abrazar Inc. will be having a Mental Health Education Class on Stress Reduction, where participants will learn skills and strategies to reduce stress in their lives. Take-home resources will be given to participants.

Local Contact’s Name: Martha Sanchez

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Email to RSVP >

Healthy Steps/Pasos Sanos (Bilingual Spanish/English)

May 4, 2023 • 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living

307 Placentia Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92663

Stroller walks with other parents and caregivers to children ages (0-5). Groups will focus on the benefits of exercise and mental health. This is a bilingual & in-person group that will meet every Thursday in May. Participants will meet at the Center and walk to a nearby park.

Local Contact’s Name: Alejandra Aguayo

Email: [email protected]

Registration: No need to register - just come!

Selfish Love is Not Selfish

May 5, 2023 • 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The Meadows

14851 Jeffrey Road, Irvine, CA 92618

The Council of Aging - Southern California is hosting an interactive presentation about the importance of self-love with regard to achieving positive mental health. During the last 30-min of the event, Community Health Educator (CHE) will introduce a cellphone app (iBreathe) to participants with the goal of encouraging self-care. Lastly, CHE will lead a meditation exercise to conclude the event.

Local Contact’s Name: Harmon Wu

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Register via Eventbrite >

Fun in the Sun Festival

May 6, 2023 • 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Orangethorpe Elementary School

1400 Brookhurst Rd., Fullerton, CA 92833

May is Mental Health Awareness month and the School Readiness Program has collaborated with NAMI OC and Extraordinary Life Foundation for a day of fun to bring awareness to the community. We have an eventful day planned filled with carnival snacks, music, face painting, potato sack races, photo booth and much more!

Local Contact’s Name: Claudia Espinoza

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Register on Eventbrite >

Lyrics Writing Workshop

May 6, 2023 • 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sowing Seeds Health Chinese Cultural Center

10 Truman, St. #306, Irvine, CA 92618

Sowing Seeds Health Chinese Cultural Center is hosting several Workshops to hone your skills in Lyrics Writing to improve mental alertness and have fun.

Local Contact’s Name: N/A

Email: [email protected]

Registration: May 6 & May 20, Register on Google Forms >

Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being: Preparing for Critical Moments in Our Students' Lives

May 8, 2023 • 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Online Webinar

When a child experiences a crisis or a death, it can be difficult to know how to help your child cope. How much children understand about a crisis and loss depends largely on their age, life experiences, and personality. Some children appear to cope well independently or with their own support networks; others are at risk for not coping at all. Through this presentation, we bring light to the importance of teaching our children resilience and provide tools to support them as they return to functional well-being or new “normal” after a crisis.

Local Contact’s Name: Summer Cirino

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Register to attend via OCDE >

Mindful Movement

May 9, 2023 • 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Online Webinar

Exercise in almost any form is an excellent outlet for the feelings that come up when things aren't easy. Being active and moving your body can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries. This activity will consist of a 10-minute breathing warm-up, 35 minutes of core work and strengthening exercises, and 10 minutes of stretching.

Local Contact’s Name: Christine Tran-Le

Email: [email protected]

Registration: No need to register, just attend via Zoom >

Fentanyl Awareness Day and Narcan Distribution

May 9, 2023 • 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Orange County Department of Education

200 Kalmus Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Get the facts about fentanyl and counterfeit pills, learn how to identify and prevent overdoses, and find resources to support youth and families. The Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHA) will be providing training and distributing free NARCAN®️ kits to help save lives in case of an overdose.

Local Contact’s Name: Carlos Zelaya

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Register via OCDE >

OC Board of Supervisors - Proclamation that May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May 9, 2023 • 9:30 a.m.

Orange County Board of Supervisors, County Administration North, Board Hearing Room, First Floor

400 W Civic Center Dr., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Join the County of Orange Board of Supervisors meeting as they proclaim May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Learn more about these meetings at: https://board.ocgov.com/meetings-agendas

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Registration not needed, ways to Access Meeting on May 9 >

Growing Children and Family Mental Health and Wellness

May 9, 2023 • 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Online Webinar

A no-cost webinar hosted by Start Well for parents and family members to learn how to support the mental health of families with young children. (birth to 8 years)

Local Contact’s Name: Sandy Avzaradel

Email: [email protected] 

Registration: Register via Zoom >

The Talk Town Hall Event

May 10, 2023 • 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Ocean Institute

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629

Parents, youth, and mental health professionals will come together to talk about mental health and increase awareness and support for youth. 

Listen to panel presentations in both English and Spanish. Learn about community resources. Visit sea life exhibits - touch tanks open at 5:30!

Local Contact’s Name: Julie Smith

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Register on Eventbrite >

Directing Change in Orange County

May 11, 2023 • 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Bowers Museum

2002 North Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706

HCA in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education, will host the 2023 Directing Change Awards Ceremony for the Orange County schools and students who participated in the 2023 Directing Change program. This event is open to all participating students, their families, teachers, staff, and the community members who wish to help us celebrate the success of the Orange County students, teachers and advisors who dedicated their time and creative energies to the production of these impactful films.

Local Contact’s Name: OCHCA

Phone: (714) 834-2077

Registration: Register on Eventbrite >

Mental Health Talk - Virtual Tour

May 12, 2023 • 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Online Webinar

Please join us for a virtual tour and discussion about the way Mental Health is viewed around the world. For those of us who are immigrants, we can share a discussion about how the stigma surrounding mental health compares to the views in the United States. We will also be conducting some activities to learn more about mental health and its importance.

Local Contact’s Name: Jessica Bautista

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Email Jessica to receive a Zoom link >

Y2K Silent Disco

May 12, 2023 • 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Lido Event Center

1363 S. Lewis St., Anaheim, CA 92805

This event is exclusive to teens and young adults ages 16-24 at no-cost. This 'totally sweet' Y2K themed silent disco will showcase the talents of 3 DJS playing such genres as EDM, House, Hip-Hop, Pop with nostalgic hits from the early 2000's. Come dressed in your Y2K swag!

Each attendee will receive a pair of wireless headphones with 3 available channels with each DJ having their own dedicated channel. Want a different genre? Not feeling the mix? Curious to know what others are vibing to? Switch the channel! In addition to rad vibes, friendships old and new, snacks and music... mental health resources will be available to you. Games and activities will be happening so if dancing isn't your thing...come and make some new friends!

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Register on Eventbrite >

Phoenix House: Children & Families Resource Fair

May 13, 2023 • 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Santa Ana Zoo

1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Promoting mental health & wellness for OC residents with children ages 5-18 years. This no-cost event will include activities for children that promote healthy coping skills to encourage kindness. Adults will have the opportunity to visit the tables of different community-based resources for better health & wellness. The first 500 guests will receive free admission to the Santa Ana Zoo.

Registration: Register on Google Forms >

Painting Flower Pots & Positive Talks

May 16, 2023 • 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Harbor Grove Senior Apartments

12777 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove, CA 92843

A no-cost educational and social-based event hosted by the Community Health Educator and The Council of Aging. Each participant will paint plants/succulents and engage in a guided discussion on the importance of positivity and how they can use it in their day-to-day. This activity will allow them to share ideas and de-stress. In the end, they will get the chance to share the positive emotions they felt during painting.

Local Contact’s Name: Carolin Zavalza

Email: [email protected] 

Registration: Register on Eventbrite >

Suicide Prevention Training

May 16, 2023 • 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Online Webinar

This community training is designed for adults and provides an overview of suicide prevention. Participants learn about the nature of suicide, suicide-related statistics, suicide risk factors, and identifying invitations (formally known as warning signs).

Local Contact’s Name: Joanna Constanza

Email: [email protected] 

Registration: Register on Zoom >

Cyberbullying and Digital Drama: Keeping Kids Safe, Happy, and Healthy in the Digital Age

May 16, 2023 • 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Online Webinar

Participants will learn to identify the signs of cyberbullying and how it can adversely affect youth. The group will also explore some warning signs to watch for and where you can access available resources. Some strategies for families to prevent and address cyberbullying will be discussed. No cost to participate and interpretation services will be offered for Spanish, Vietnamese, and Mandarin.

Local Contact’s Name: Jacquie Johnson

Email: [email protected] 

Registration: Register at OCDE >

Together We Spring: An Older Adult Mental Health Fair

May 18, 2023 • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Delhi Center

505 E. Central Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92706

Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies (MECCA) will be hosting EISOA participants from 7 agencies and the public at their Older Adult Mental Wellness Fair. The event will include a MediCal/ MediCare talk, a Self-Care kit-building activity, a mental health topic talk, chair yoga, Outreach Tabling/ Wellness Fair, and activities including Gardening, puzzles, Trivia, Mindful coloring, Bingo, sound healing, and Zumba!

Local Contact’s Name: Shelly Ngo

Email: [email protected] 

Registration: Email Shelly to Register >

Meditate & Paint

May 20, 2023 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

OCCTAC Office

2215 N. Broadway #1, Santa Ana, CA 92706

Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) will be having an engaging Mental Health event with meditation, canvas painting, light refreshments, as well as creating self-care kits.

Local Contact’s Name: Rosa Garcia

Email: [email protected] 

Registration: Email Rosa to Register >

San Clemente Music Festival Summer Kickoff

May 20, 2023 • 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

San Clemente Outlets

101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA 92672

The San Clemente Music Festival Summer Kickoff at the San Clemente Outlets will be a great way to get in the Summer mood with great live bands, dancing, community resource booths, Raffle Prizes, and Great Shopping deals! This FREE event is family-friendly and will be great for youth/young adults and adults of all ages. Community resources booths will have health and wellness resources and educational awareness for a safe and healthy summer. Each booth will have raffle tickets to give away so you can enter to win a great prize while attending.

Local Contact’s Name: Crystal Bleicher

Email: [email protected] 

Registration: More Information on Eventbrite >

Clinical Suicide Prevention Training

May 22, 2023 • 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Online Webinar

The clinical training is recommended for individuals who work in any clinical capacity such as mental health, medical, or educational setting. The training focuses on identifying invitations, risk assessment, suicide intervention model, safety planning, and transfer of care.

Local Contact’s Name: Lauren Delfin

Email: [email protected] 

Registration: Register on Zoom >

A Cumulative Look at Mental Health Resources for Students, Staff and Family

May 22, 2023 • 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Online Webinar

This summative session will break down the barriers in accessing support for youth and their wellness, and is intended for the caring adults who support them. School staff, youth service providers and parents/guardians are navigated through all of CARS’ helpful guides that have been developed through the OC Resource Directory project. These tools are available to all participants and will ease the process of accessing help at school and in the community, demystify the experience of therapy, and support the mental wellness of all youth.

Local Contact’s Name: Geri Walcott

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Register on Zoom >

Showcasing Mental Health Resources for Parents

May 24, 2023 • 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Online Webinar

This session will introduce the products developed for parents and caregivers who are seeking mental health treatment for their children. Navigating this journey can be a lengthy and complicated process. The resources developed here will help parents and caregivers feel more empowered and informed to make the best decisions to support their children and families.

Local Contact’s Name: Geri Walcott

Email: [email protected]

Registration: Register on Zoom >

Mental Health Education Class: Mindfulness

May 25, 2023 • 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (English) or 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Spanish)

Abrazar

14900 Park Ln., Midway City, CA 92655

Abrazar will be having a Mental Health Education Class with a Mindfulness and joy activity to end the month on a positive and empowered note! The presenter will provide resources for participants to take home.

Local Contact’s Name: Martha Sanchez

Email: [email protected] 

Registration: Email Martha to Register >

Chair Yoga and Mental Wellness

May 25, 2023 • 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (English) or 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Spanish)

Online Webinar

Chair yoga allows older adults and those with mobility issues or disabilities to stay active and improve their muscle strength and flexibility without the risk of strain or injury. The gentle slow progression of chair yoga sequences is ideal for those with a limited range of motion. Chair yoga also allows the brain to relax as we focus on breathwork and set our intentions for the day. This activity for older adults will consist of 10 minutes of slow breathwork and 30 minutes of chair yoga.

Local Contact’s Name: Christine Tran-Le

Email: [email protected]

Registration: No need to Register, attend via Zoom >

 Contact Us!

Do you have questions about this initiative and its content? Reach out to Project Manager Geri Walcott with any questions.

Funded by OC Health Care Agency (HCA), Mental Health and Recovery Services, Mental Health Services Act/Prop. 63