Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Recognizing Mental Illness Awareness Week

Edgar Languren

WINONA, Minn. (KWNO)-This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week.  

Stacy Shones, Development Director at Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Centers, says mental illness directly or indirectly impacts everyone. 

“It’s so important this week, that it’s Mental Illness Awareness Week, and we can have conversations and open dialogue around that,” Shones said.   

Thursday is National Depression Screening Day. Shones says Hiawatha Valley will offer depression screenings at various locations in the Winona community throughout the day.  

At 6 p.m. Thursday, Hiwatha Valley will host the Bring Light to Darkness Event. 

“At this event, we’re going to turn on a thousand green T-lights and we’re going to have them glowing on the Levee Park Patio here in Winona,” Shones said.  

She said the lights represent people who have lost their lives to mental illness and aim to raise awareness of the impact of mental illness. Shone says the lights also are a symbol of hope for people struggling with mental illness.