Carnival of Care: Embracing Mental Health

npurdy4
Aug 15
3 min read

Updated: 25 minutes ago

In response to the growing mental health crisis, Healthy Franklin County and the Mental Health Association of Franklin/Fulton Counties are proud to host the Carnival of Care: Embracing Mental Health—a community event designed to raise awareness, foster open conversations, and promote strategies for mental wellness and suicide prevention. The event will be held on Saturday, September 13 from 9am to 1pm at the Waynesboro YMCA.

Held during Suicide Prevention Month, this event brings together local experts, organizations, and community members to explore healthy mental health practices that build resilience and save lives.

The Carnival of Care: Embracing Mental Health event is funded by a grant from the Summit Endowment.

Mental Health Data Highlights Urgent Need for Community Support

Recent findings underscore the importance of events like Carnival of Care: Embracing Mental Health. According to the 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS):

39.2% of Franklin County youth reported feeling sad most days in the previous 12 months.
17% had seriously considered attempting suicide — slightly higher than the state average of 16.2%.
Alarmingly, 32.6% required medical treatment for a suicide attempt.

Adults in Franklin County are also facing significant mental health challenges. The 2025 WellSpan Health Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) revealed:

17% of adults do not receive the social or emotional support they need.
49% reported at least one day in the past month when their mental health was not good.
71% experienced depressive symptoms on one or more days in the past two weeks.

These statistics reflect a growing mental health crisis in our community — one that demands attention, compassion, and action. The Carnival of Care aims to bring people together, raise awareness, and connect individuals with resources that can make a difference.

Featured Keynote

Govan Martin, Executive Director of the Suicide Prevention Alliance

Topic: “What Are We Missing in Suicide Prevention?”

Govan Martin will share insights into the gaps in current suicide prevention efforts and how communities can take action to better support those at risk.

Breakout Sessions & Activities

- Depression Treatment Options (TMS, 988, etc) – Kristina Newlin, Keystone Behavioral Health

- Affirmation Meditation – Kim Kriner, New Visions

- Chair Yoga & Breathing – Kim Crider, WellSpan Health

- Employment Resources – Sunshine Conyer, PA CareerLink® Franklin County

- Arts & Crafts – Waynesboro YMCA

- Pediatric Behavioral Health – Trond Harman, Keystone Behavioral Health

- Mental Health Services Overview – Lea Singleton, Mental Health Association of Franklin/Fulton Counties

- Healthy Body, Mind, Spirit – Whit Wolf, Waynesboro YMCA

- What if Mental Health Was a Verb? – Dr. Sherri Yoder, Thriving Thoughts Global

- VA S.A.V.E. Training – Ashley Stouffer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

- K-9 Demonstration – Cpl. Aaron Huntington, Waynesboro Police Department

Family-Friendly Fun

In the YMCA gym, kids can enjoy a vibrant space filled with movement-based activities that promote physical wellness and stress management, including:

- The Wild Walk Portable Sensory Path

- Balloon-making, face-painting & stilts walker

- Food truck (Fat Russ' will serve breakfast and lunch (for fee))

- Vendor booths offering resources and giveaways