In a bid to shine a spotlight on mental health, Council Member Zarin Gracey alongside Harmony Community Development Corporation is set to launch Mental Health Awareness Month with a Proclamation Reading at Dallas City Hall. The council member, together with community leaders, will feature at the event aiming to raise awareness and promote inclusivity for those grappling with mental health challenges, according to the City of Dallas.

The gathering, scheduled for an early morning start on May 8 at the City Hall's Flag Room, besides declaring the month's significance, will detail Harmony CDC's initiative offering free counseling for Dallas' youths and adults. While tackling such a sensitive topic, the event is expected to garner sound attendance, providing valuable information on available mental health resources and advancing conversations on the oft-ignored aspect of human health, to dismantle stigmas and foster a society more attuned to the needs and struggles of all its members.

Notable attendees include the Office of Community Cares Director Jessica Galleshaw, Dallas Police Department Assistant Police Chief Reuben Ramirez, and Office of Arts and Culture Director Martine Elyse Philippe. Additionally, Mark Porter and Dr. Whitney Mathison of Harmony CDC, along with Dr. Brenda Richardson, a trailblazer in counseling services, will be present to advocate and impart knowledge on the cause.

Pastor Bryan Carter, who leads the Harmony CDC's board will also join the stage to share his insights, emphasizing that proactive community support is pivotal for fostering resilience against the shadows of mental turmoil. These insights, advocating community involvement in individuals navigating the path to mental wellness, can lay the groundwork for a proactive and supportive culture across Dallas neighborhoods striving to create a safe space for open discussions and early interventions.