County to host afternoon of mental health awareness

The Prince William County Community Services department is inviting people to "Relax and Recharge" at its 11th annual mental health awareness event on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 3-7:30 p.m. in the atrium of the Ferlazzo Building, 15941 Donald Curtis Drive in Woodbridge. The formal program will begin at 5 p.m., according to a county news release.

The event is to "educate, inspire and dispel myths about mental illness," said Andrea Richardson, a Prince William County Community Services therapist. "The purpose of the event is to bring together the mental health community along with the community at-large to discuss information about mental illness, which can often come with the stigmas of embarrassment and shame."

To learn about relaxation techniques, visitors may explore aroma, music and pet therapy, see and shop for arts and crafts created by members of the mental health community, get professional massages, learn a bit of chair yoga and see food preparation demonstrations.

The event, which includes a barbecue dinner, is free and open to the public, and no reservations are required, said Richardson.

"We're just really encouraging people to come and share in this opportunity to learn how to take care of themselves."

For more, visit www.pwcgov.org/cs.