SPOKANE — Dozens of local organizations lined North Division Street Friday for Hands Across Spokane, a citywide event designed to connect people with mental health resources and raise awareness about support available across the community.
Hosted by Community-Minded Enterprises, the event reimagines the former Hands Across the Falls tradition. Instead of gathering at a single location, the new version brings together more than 30 organizations offering behavioral health care, housing assistance, recovery programs, legal aid, and family support.
“It’s empowering,” said Tim Sigler, Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services at Community-Minded Enterprises. “Spokane rocks when the community comes together for mental health, for substance use, for recovery — for just trying to be a healthier community.”
Vendors like NAMI Spokane, Frontier Behavioral Health, and the Spokane Regional Health District provided free screenings, Narcan kits, and information on local treatment and recovery options. Food trucks, music, and children’s activities made the day approachable for families while highlighting the importance of mental wellness.
The event also featured heartfelt stories from people directly impacted by mental health struggles.“Six months ago, I lost my son to fentanyl,” said Kitara Nelson, a community advocate and mother. “The only reason I’m able to stand before you today is because of things like this. This is the spirit of Spokane.”
For others, like Silas Johnson, the event carried a message of hope and change.“It just makes me proud of my uncle because he gave up drugs just to make me happy,” Johnson said. “I feel like a lot of people can make a huge difference in the whole world just by doing one thing.”
The Hands Across Spokane campaign coincided with World Mental Health Day and the City of Spokane’s official proclamation of October 10 as Mental Health Awareness Day.
Sigler encouraged anyone who’s struggling to reach out for help.“Talk to somebody. Talk to anybody. Call 988 if you need emergency response,” he said. “For veterans, call 988 and press one. Come to Community-Minded or other local agencies that offer these services — but tell somebody. That’s how we can support and get people back on track.”
Organizers say they hope to make Hands Across Spokane an annual event, continuing to build community connections and awareness around mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
