Staff photo by Clay Schuldt A group of mental health advocates displays signs and walks along Garden Street on Tuesday to raise mental health awareness.

NEW ULM– Several dozen individuals representing multiple health organizations in the region took part in a walk to raise mental health awareness on Tuesday.

Two groups set out from Harman Park, one traveling up 1st North Street, and the other heading down Garden Street to 5th North Street.

Each group carried signs in support of mental health.

The walk included people and staff from MRCI, Allina Health, Brown County Human Service, Southern Minnesota Behavioral Health and Bridge on Center.

In addition to raising awareness, the walkers hoped to remove the stigmas associated with mental health.

Human Services and Mental Health Local Advisory Council member Claire Stark said May is Mental Health Awareness month, and many local advisory councils are holding similar walks.

Following the walk, Stark gave a brief speech on the importance of mental health. She said it was imperative people understand mental health issues are often quiet, silent and unspoken.

“We need to break the stigma and get people the necessary resources,” Stark said.

It was estimated between one out of every four people struggles with some form of mental illness. Stark said mental health directly impacts a large portion of the population, but it affects everyone, because it affects friends, families, coworkers and other relationships between people. Mental health needs to be viewed as important as physical health.

Mental Health advocate Eric Hall spoke on how mental health programs in the regions had personally benefited him. Hall shared his struggles with depression and anxiety disorders but was able to find help through Nova House and Bridge on Center. Hall was proud to say he had six years of sobriety and six years without hospitalization.

Bridge on Center is a grant-funded organization that provides services for adults with severe and persistent mental health and depression. Located on Center Street, next to Brown County Human Service, members can come to the house for daily planned activities. Bridge on Center coordinator Jackie Nelson said there are about 75 active members. Some come once a week, once a month or once a year. It is dependent on when they need it. Bridge on Center helps many struggling with mental health reduce isolation.

Nelson said when people are struggling it is important to know you are not alone and that it is OK to not be OK.

There are multiple mental health outreach organizations in the region for support. Anyone seeking support was advised to contact county human services.

There is also a regional crisis line/mobile crisis team at 1-877-399-3040. Warmline also provides a safe, anonymous and confidential environment to connect with people to help and can be reached at 877-404-3190. For text options, text “Support” to 85511.