Birmingham to Host Mental Health Awareness Day May 8
Free screenings, speakers, and community events set for Friday, May 8 in Linn Park to promote mental wellness and reduce stigma
The City of Birmingham will mark Mental Health Awareness Day on Friday, May 8, with a four-hour community event in Linn Park aimed at opening dialogue and expanding access to care.
Hosted in partnership with Nurture of Alabama, the fifth annual event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., bringing together local leaders, health professionals, and residents for a day focused on mental wellness. Food trucks will begin serving at 11 a.m.
Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said the event addresses a long-standing gap in public conversation.
“Conversations about mental health are often minimized, misunderstood, or even silenced, especially in Black communities. But Mental Health Awareness Day is a chance to change that,’’ Woodfin said. “With the help of our partners, we’re breaking stigmas, connecting communities to vital resources, and reminding everyone that your mind matters.’’
Event partner Crystal Mullen-Johnson said the initiative has grown steadily over the past five years.
“Over the past five years, we have remained resilient, consistent, and impactful as we connect our community with resources that promote healing, wellness, and overall well-being,’’ she said.
Programming will be split between a main stage and lawn activities, offering both education and hands-on services.
The main stage will feature an opening introduction of the Nurture board at 10 a.m., followed by a keynote from Brandon Folks, senior program manager with the Alabama Department of Mental Health Office of Prevention. Remarks from Crystal N. Smitherman are scheduled before a live performance by Logan the Entertainer and a community line dancing session led by fitness instructor Tracy Williams.
On the lawn, attendees can take part in yoga sessions, boot camp exercises, and chair massages. Licensed professionals will also offer free depression screenings, mental health consultations, and basic health checks, including glucose and blood pressure testing.
Organizers say the event is designed to meet people where they are—whether that means starting a conversation, getting screened, or simply showing up.
EVENT ACTIVITIES
MAIN STAGE
- 10:00 AM Introduction of Nurture Board of Directors
- 11:00 -11:15 AM KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Brandon Folks, Senior Program Manager with Alabama Department of Mental Health, Office of Prevention
- 11:30 -11:45 AM Remarks from Birmingham City Councilor Crystal N. Smitherman, District 6
- 12:00 -12:30 PM Performance by Logan the Entertainer
- 12:30-1:00 PM Line dancing with Fitness Instructor Tracy Williams and Tracy’s Sensational Seniors
ON THE LAWN
- 10:15-10:45 AM Yoga on the Lawn, presented by Adi Kaur, Yoga Therapist of Inglenook Yoga Studio
- 10:00-2:00 PM Free Depression Screenings by Licensed therapist, Cherie May Edwards, owner of Work In Progress
- 10:00-2:00 PM Free Mental Health Consultations with Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Dr. Demechiko French, owner of Mechi Mental Wellness
- 10:00-2:00 PM Glucose and High Blood Pressure Screenings provided by Brownstone Total Family Healthcare
- 10:00-11:30 AM Chair massages offered by Massage Therapist Adrian Ward, owner of Relaxation Room
- 10:30-10:45 AM Boot Camp Exercises presented by Certified Personal Trainer Cedric Starks, owner of Train and Burn Fitness Studio
- 11:00 AM-2:00 PM Food Trucks will be serving
More details are available at Nurture of Alabama’s website: https://www.nurturebham.com
