SPOKANE, Wash. — NAMI Spokane launched a series of community outreach events this week designed to connect residents with mental health resources during Mental Health Awareness Month.
The organization’s “Gather for Good” pop-up events will take place at local breweries and community gathering spaces throughout the week, emphasizing NAMI’s core belief that healing happens in community.
“The main element is creating awareness and creating support in the community around mental health. Not only for individuals but for their families and their loved ones as well,” said Rob McKinney, board chair for NAMI Spokane.
The initiative comes as data reveal significant mental health challenges in communities nationwide. One in five adults will experience a mental health condition, while one in six will face a substance use disorder. NAMI believes no one should face these challenges alone.
NAMI team members will distribute flyers containing mental health resources available in the Spokane community at each pop-up location. The events target spaces where people naturally gather, making mental health conversations more accessible and comfortable.
“Breweries are a natural gathering space. Our whole goal is healing happens in community, so where are people already?” said Chauntelle Lieske, executive director of NAMI Spokane. “So these are places that when we reached out, they said, ‘Yeah, we want to do this. We want to be a part of this.'”
The pop-up schedule includes Dry Fly Distilling all week, with additional events at Lumberbeard Brewing and Bardic Brewing and Cider on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m., and Whistle Punk Brewing on Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m.
NAMI designed these “Gather for Good” pop-ups to generate excitement for Prevention Week while sparking mental health conversations in welcoming environments. The organization aims to reduce stigma by bringing resources directly to community members in familiar settings.
At the end of the week, NAMI will host a Boldly Balanced Spokane, a mental wellness event at the Pavilion featuring yoga and other activities. The week concludes with a Clear Vibes Silent Disco at the Q Lounge.
You can find more information on NAMI and their events for the week here.
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