May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Eau Claire Healthy Communities wants you to help promote mental wellness in our community through a new medium: chalk.

According to County Health Rankings from 2021, Eau Claire County residents on average report four mentally unhealthy days in the past 30 days, making mental health one of the top health concerns in the area. “Be kind to yourself, and if you need help, just reach out and let someone know,” said TJ Atkins, Eau Claire Healthy Communities Mental Health Action Team co-chair in a media release, “because we all do better when we all do better.”

Throughout the month of May, the Mental Health Action Team encourages Eau Clairians to chalk positive messages on neighborhood sidewalks in an effort to promote positive mental health.
Here are a few ideas on positive phrases you can chalk:

• I support Mental Health Month!
• You matter
• You are not alone

You can even share local and national resources for those struggling with mental health. For a list of full Chippewa Valley mental health resources, visit here.

Pick up free chalk at the United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley (3603 N. Hastings Way #200) and The Community Table (320 Putnam St. #½).

You can also share your colorful creations to social media by hashtagging #HealthyEC. For more information, visit echealthycommunities.org.