Mental Health Awareness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mental Health Association of Central Florida Unveils Month-Long Initiative for Mental Health Awareness Month

A Community-Wide Call to Action Through Conversations, Connection, and Collective Impact

Orlando, FL — This May, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Mental Health Association of Central Florida (MHACF.org) is launching a month-long series of community-driven experiences designed to spark meaningful conversations, elevate awareness, and connect individuals to critical mental health resources. As MHACF celebrates 80 years of service, this initiative reflects the organization’s continued commitment to meeting the evolving mental health needs of the Central Florida community, bringing together leaders across industries to address challenges, reduce stigma, and build a more resilient region.

Mental health remains one of the most pressing issues facing communities today. Central Florida’s regional Community Health Needs Assessment shows that mental and behavioral health remains one of the community’s most urgent needs, with a 16.2% uninsured rate and nearly one in five youth reporting poor mental health and facing significant barriers to timely, affordable care. As Mental Health America’s national rankings place Florida among the lowest states for access to mental health services, this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month theme “More Good Days, Together” emphasizes the importance of supporting mental wellness by meeting people where they are, recognizing their unique experiences, and helping them achieve more positive days in their lives.

A Month of Meaningful Engagement

Led nationally by Mental Health America, Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to unite mental health providers, advocates, and communities across the country around a shared message of support and understanding; this year’s theme, “More Good Days, Together,” comes to life in Orlando through a month-long series of experiences designed to foster connection, reflection, and access to care. As a local elevation of this national focus, MHACF will host a series of experiences throughout May that bring the conversation to life across Orlando, inviting the community to engage, learn, and take action.

May 1 | 7pm- 8pm Light the Fountain Green and Let’s Get the Ball Rolling for Mental Health Awareness Month

Lake Eola Park, Orlando
Kick off the month with a free, feel-good community celebration at Lake Eola on May 1st! More than 30 amazing organizations will be out there to connect, cheer you on, and shine a big bright spotlight on mental wellness. Come celebrate, explore, and be part of something uplifting and inspirational.

May 6 | 10am -11am The Silent Crisis in Construction: Suicide Prevention & Workforce Resilience (Zoominar)

A candid conversation addressing that the construction industry has the second-highest suicide death rate of all American industries, despite representing only 7.5% of the workforce. It makes focused attention on mental health, early intervention, and supportive workplace cultures an essential priority for protecting workers’ lives.

Meet our Panelists – Free Registration

May 7 | 10am – 11am The Weight of the Work: Mental Health in the Legal Profession (Zoominar)
An in-depth conversation examining the intense pressures facing attorneys and legal professionals—pressures reflected in national data showing that lawyers experience depression at nearly four times the rate of the general population and report some of the highest levels of hazardous drinking among all professions.

Meet our Panelists – Free Registration

May 11 – 16 | Teen Mental Health Awareness Week

Teen Mental Health Awareness Week (May 11–16)

Brings teens, caregivers, and the community together for engaging, youth-centered experiences that elevate teen voices and address today’s real challenges. Through interactive workshops and supportive conversations, participants gain tools to build resilience and emotional well-being in a safe, stigma-free space.

For more Information of this exciting line up.

May 28 | 15th Annual Legacy of Champions Luncheon presented by AdventHealth

10:45 Registration – 11:30am – Program 1:30 - VIP Reception

Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando
MHACF’s signature fundraising event will bring together community leaders, advocates, and partners for an inspiring afternoon centered on the theme “Resilience: The Stories We Share.” Taking place in the weeks leading up to the 10-year remembrance of the Pulse tragedy, this year’s luncheon will feature an update from City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Pulse Memorial. The 15th anniversary event will feature key note speaker, Tig Notaro, an Emmy, Grammy and Academy Award nominated stand‑up comedian, actor, writer, and director whose storytelling blends humor and humanity, the event will highlight the power of shared experiences to foster healing, connection, and hope.

Sponsorship and Ticket Sales

May 28 | Honoring Community Impact: Signature Awards Presentation (Legacy of Champions Luncheon)

As part of the 15th Annual Legacy of Champions Luncheon, MHACF will recognize outstanding leaders and organizations whose work is shaping the future of mental health in Central Florida. This year’s honorees include the Ginsburg Institute for Health Equity at Nemours Children’s Health (Candice Crawford Community Champion Award), Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell (Community Hero Award), and a distinguished business leader to be announced (Mental Health Business Ally Award). Hosted by Orlando Sentinel's Scott Maxwell.

“This month is about more than awareness—it’s about action,” said Marni Stahlman, President & CEO of MHACF. “We are creating intentional spaces for honest dialogue across industries and generations. When we come together to share stories, challenge stigma, and connect people to resources, we strengthen the mental health of our entire community.”

About The Mental Health Association of Central Florida
Established in 1946, the Mental Health Association of Central Florida, Inc. (MHACF) strives to empower our community to be inclusive, equitable and aware of mental, emotional and behavioral health needs in ourselves and others. We work to advocate for all to be courageous in their pursuit to be seen, heard and understood on their path to wellness. The Mental Health Association of Central Florida understands that violence, racism, hate, and discrimination undermine mental wellness and are significant contributors to individual and community trauma. Therefore, we are committed to breaking cycles of multi-generational distress for marginalized communities in all that we do by pledging to work against racism, bias, prejudice and discrimination at individual, interpersonal and institutional levels. For more information about MHACF programs and resources, please contact us at (407) 898-0110 or visit www.MHACF.org.

Media: Paula Wyatt – 321 946 6565 – Paula@AnythingisPoshAble.com