SLO County Inspires Healing and Connection at Mental Health Month Events

Author: Behavioral Health
Date: 5/5/2026 9:00 AM

The County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department is encouraging community members to open up about their mental health during May Mental Health Awareness Month.

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In the United States, more than 1 in 5 adults- over 61.5 million people- experience a mental health illness each year (SAMHSA, 2024) One of the best ways to make sure people receive the help they need, and early on, is through conversation. The department is hosting several community events in May to promote local mental health resources and help connect community members to services.

“Prioritizing your mental health is essential to living a healthy, and happy life,” said Frank Warren, Behavioral Health Interim Director. “Taking time to rest, recharge, and reach out for support helps us show up as our best selves for our families, our workplaces, and our communities. When we care for our mental wellbeing, we strengthen our resilience, improve our overall health and create a culture and community where it’s okay to ask for help.”

As part of its May Mental Health event line up, the department will be at the SLO Farmers Market on May 7 to host "Connect and Thrive"- a celebration and resource fair to help reduce stigma and make mental health support accessible to everyone in SLO County. Behavioral Health and the American Foundation for Suicuide Prevention are hosting the annual Out of Darkness Walk on May 16 at Cal Poly. The morning of connection, healing, and hope honors local lives lost and serves as a reminder that support is always within reach. All students and community members are welcome.

The department is excited to once again host its annual Bike Breakfast on May 19 at the Prevention and Outreach office in San Luis Obispo from 7 am- 9 am. The free event, in partnership with SLO Ride Share’s Bike Month campaign, promotes the benefits of physical exercise for one’s mental health.

All details for Mental Health Awareness month can be found online at www.slocounty.gov/MayMH. The website also includes a link to local mental health resources as well as downloadable activities to inspire the community to take care of their mental health.

Community members can show their support for mental health awareness by following Behavioral Health on Facebook and Instagram. Residents may access mental health services and treatment by calling the SLO Behavioral Health’s access line at 1-800-838-1381.