Focus on Mental Wellness
Overview
Inspired by community feedback, the Town of Wake Forest will embark on a yearlong exploration of mental wellness issues and challenges. Throughout the year, we will host "Focus on Mental Wellness" workshops, fairs, and training sessions to raise awareness about mental wellness and share information about programs, services, and resources available to anyone suffering from untreated or undertreated mental illness.
Hurricane Relief & Support
If your family was affected by Hurricane Helene or you'd like to offer support, please visit the NC Disaster Information Center.
Mental Wellness Fair
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 | 1-4 pm
Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
The Town of Wake Forest hosted its second annual Mental Wellness Fair on September 28 at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. The fair continues to grow as does the need in our community for mental health-related resources.
Free and open to the public, the event is designed to raise awareness about mental wellness and share information about programs, services, and resources available to loved ones who may be suffering from untreated or undertreated mental illness.
Led by Commissioner Nick Sliwinski, the fair will featured presentations on a variety of topics by experts from several local mental health organizations. Several vendor advocates were onsite from organizations, agencies, and non-profits that provide services in the areas of mental health, health care, social services, and more.
"Fear of Falling" Workshop
The Town of Wake Forest partnered with the Senior Center to offer this workshop - open to all, the seminar featured presentations by Credentialed Balance & Falls Professional Kristina Wolfe, Clinical Hypnosis Specialist Sharon Jackman, Assistive Technology Consultant Sarah Gachuz, and Director of Northern & Eastern Wake Senior Centers Jennie Griggs.
"Clearing the Air: Navigating COVID-19, Tobacco Cessation & Vaping Realities"
The Town of Wake Forest partnered with Wake County to host “Clearing the Air: Navigating COVID-19, Tobacco Cessation & Vaping Realities” on Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine which is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development. Youth e-cigarette and cigarette use have also been associated with mental health symptoms, including depression. The February 15 workshop explored these, and other health risks associated with smoking and teen vaping.
The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Rasheeda Monroe MD of the UNC School of Medicine and Director of the Kenan Urban Scholars. Panelists will include Dr. Stefanie Etienne MD, Medical Director/Family Physician at WellCare of North Carolina; Bolu Abe-Latham, Physician Associate at the Duke Smoking and Tobacco Cessation Program; and Michael Scott, Program Manager at the Center for Black Health & Equity.
For more information, email Community Outreach Manager Andrew Brown, Jr.
NAMI WalksNC
Our "Wake Forest Focused on Mental Wellness" team - comprised of Town of Wake Forest staff - partnered with the Wake County Northern Regional Center staff to raised money and awareness at the 2024 NAMI WalksNC!
The event featured several key speakers, including Kody Kinsley, Secretary of the NC Department of Health and Human Services; Elaine Marshall, Secretary of State of North Carolina; and Holly Doggett, NAMI NC President.
NAMI Walks NC is the nation's largest series of mental health awareness and fundraising events. They work with communities to raise awareness and provide support and education.
Thank you to everyone who participated and donated to help reach the goal of “Mental Health for All”! NAMI Walk participation is part of the Town of Wake Forest’s “Focus on Mental Wellness” series.
Why "Focus on Mental Wellness?"
It is important for the Town of Wake Forest to "Focus on Mental Wellness" for several reasons:
Overall well-being
Mental wellness is crucial for individuals to experience and maintain a good quality of life. It helps people cope with stress, develop resilience, and have a positive outlook, all of which contribute to their overall well-being.
Public health
Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, can have a significant impact on individuals and the community as a whole. By focusing on mental wellness, the town can address these issues, reduce the burden on healthcare services, and promote a healthier population.
Productivity and economic development
Mental wellness plays a crucial role in workforce productivity. When individuals are mentally healthy, they are more motivated, focused, and engaged, which ultimately benefits the local economy. Additionally, a town that prioritizes mental wellness can attract and retain businesses, as a mentally healthy community is more likely to be a vibrant and productive one.
Community cohesion
By prioritizing mental wellness, the town can foster a sense of community and social connection. Mental health initiatives can bring people together, create support networks, and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues. This can lead to stronger community bonds and a more inclusive, supportive environment for all residents.
Prevention and early intervention
By focusing on mental wellness, the town can encourage prevention and early intervention efforts. Promoting mental health education, awareness, and access to resources can help identify and address mental health issues before they escalate, potentially reducing the need for extensive and costly treatments in the future.
In summary, prioritizing mental wellness in Wake Forest is essential for the overall well-being of individuals, public health, productivity, community cohesion, and prevention. It can improve the lives of residents and contribute to the town's development and prosperity.
Mental health education is important for raising awareness, promoting understanding, facilitating early intervention, improving well-being, preventing suicide, enhancing academic/workplace performance, and improving overall public health.