Ottumwa, IA – The Ottumwa High School students will host their fourth-annual Mental Wellness Expo on Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Ottumwa High School Cafeteria. The event aims to raise awareness of mental health and provide resources for the community to improve their mental wellness.
The expo is led by a group of dedicated high school students in “Stomp Out Stigma” who worked tirelessly to make the event a reality. They set up community resource booths that offer valuable information and services related to mental health. Attendees will have access to resources for all ages, including therapy services, support groups, and self-care resources.
The Mental Wellness Expo will also feature various activities for children, including games, crafts, and a succulent workshop. At noon, you can hear from a young adult who will share his compelling story of how he made a plan to end his life, and ultimately what it took to find wellness today. He is living proof that it does get better, and he wants others to know it is okay to not be okay, and there is always hope.
We’re thrilled to announce a unique opportunity for everyone to leave a lasting mark on our community—the creation of a collaborative mural. Attendees are invited to contribute their creativity and be part of something truly special. The community mural project, alongside the keynote speaker, is made possible thanks to the generous support of Be the Light.
Just last year, the expo hosted over 300 attendees who came to show their support for the cause. The organizers received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from the community, highlighting the importance of the event in promoting mental wellness.
“This is a fantastic event, and I am proud of our students for their hard work and dedication to this cause,” said Superintendent Mike McGrory. “It’s essential that we continue to raise awareness about mental health and provide resources for those who need it. The Mental Wellness Expo is an excellent example of how we can unite as a community to support each other.”
