Mental health issues are something that are often kept quiet and not talked about.

Perry High School counselor Tami Valline says the program their hosting tomorrow aims to combat that.

“We really want to reduce the stigma.  We want to make mental health just a topic like any other health topic or health issue that somebody might be struggling with so that we can have the conversation to access the help and resources that are out there.”

A Youth Mental Health Community Awareness Event will be held tomorrow night in the Perry Performing Arts Center.

Valline says though parents and teachers are often thought of as the go-to people for youth to go to, having members of the community on their side is also beneficial.

“Unfortunately not every student has family or parents that they can go to when they’re struggling with something as personal as mental health.  So we thought, the more people we can educate and make aware, then that way if that young person goes to just another adult maybe in the community that they trust, they will at least have some background knowledge and some resources and places that they can turn to for support for that person.”

The event takes place from 6-7pm and is open to the public.  There will also be several agencies in attendance with information and resources available.