Valley C.A.R.E. Coalition

Dear Editor,

Hey everyone! I want to shine a spotlight on an organization that has accomplished some AMAZING things in our community, the Valley C.A.R.E. Coalition. The Valley C.A.R.E. Coalition strives to help facilitate positive changes that reduce stigma and raise awareness about behavioral health, as well as to enhance the resources available in Valley County to promote wellness for all community members. I wanted to share with you the profound fulfillment I’ve experienced through my involvement with the Coalition.

In 2021, I attended one of their community meetings to learn more about the Coalition. I was pleasantly surprised, yet disappointed, to discover that I hadn’t even known about its existence. It was there that I learned about the mental health and physical health action committees they wanted to create. These committees aimed to organize events and raise awareness about the mental and physical health challenges faced in Valley County. Without hesitation, I signed up to manage the Mental Health Action Committee! Advocating for mental health awareness has always been a passion of mine, and I will continue to be a staunch advocate.

This organization has provided me with a platform to express my passion for mental health and make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Even when events and trainings don’t go exactly as planned, the experience of planning them has been incredibly rewarding. Being a part of the Coalition has been transformative for me, giving me purpose and empowering me to advocate for mental health. I am deeply proud to be associated with an organization that is dedicated to ending a stigma around mental health and advocating for the community.

We are excited to announce our annual Mental Health Awareness Walk, which will take place on Thursday, June 6, at 5:30 p.m. Come join us and hear inspiring stories from members of our community! We will provide sandwiches, chips, and water, and we’ll also be doing some rock painting to contribute to the “Hands of Hope” Mural!

Lastly, I want to extend my gratitude to those who have supported the Valley C.A.R.E. Coalition and its efforts. And to all of the volunteers that keep the Coalition going, I am very grateful for your involvement and support. It warms my heart to see the community coming together to be part of this movement!

#EndTheStigma

Sincerely,

Michelle Merritt

Valley C.A.R.E. Coalition