An intern with the Iowa State University Extension & Outreach in Dallas County shares the necessity of public gatherings in relation to mental health.

Laurel Waterman is one of two interns that were hired as part of the ISU Rising Star program to work alongside the Perry Chamber of Commerce. Waterman tells Raccoon Valley Radio that following the January 4th shooting, Dallas County was looking to bring in more resources, which led to the decision to bring on a couple of interns.

Waterman, who works with the other intern Leah Wilson, helps with community development and talks about her work with third spaces. She explains that third spaces have to do with public gathering areas outside of homes and workplaces. Waterman elaborates on how crucial it is to communicate with loved ones.

“I just wanted to promote the importance of talking with your friends and family about any decisions that are being made in your community for you and if you have any complications or opinions on things, you can always contact your city leaders. That’s what they’re there for is to listen to you.”

Waterman adds that public gatherings can be beneficial to people that may not have close friends or family members in the area.

“For a single person, there are places that can get you out of the house and make social connections where you can relieve stress, which can reduce anxiety, loneliness, and depression and give people a sense of community and belonging, so they can really be considered a public health matter. People need spaces they can go and hang out with people that are easy to get to and don’t cost them much or even anything to regularly use.”

Waterman invites people to stop by the Chamber Office, 1124 Willis Avenue, in Perry or at the farmer’s market every Thursday with any suggestions to help improve third spaces in the community.

Pictured above are the ISU Interns Laurel Waterman (right) and Leah Wilson (left)