Freehold Raceway Mall going purple with free mental health event

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Purple is the color of the day on Saturday at Freehold Raceway Mall.

HealingUS Communities, in partnership with Freehold Raceway Mall and its general manager Frank Lucia, is hosting a free event called Painting the Mall Purple for Mental Health & Recovery Awareness.

It runs from noon to 4 p.m., and features speakers, meditation, music, yoga, drum circles and information from community health resources.

"This family-friendly event aims to raise awareness, eliminate the stigma associated with mental health and substance abuse, and provide essential resources to those in need," organizers said.

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The event will provide information and resources to people who are in need of addiction and mental health services. In the U.S., an estimated nearly one in five adults experience mental illness in a given year, with more than 20 million struggling with substance use disorder, according to HealingUS Communities.

Topics include how people can help themselves or a loved one who has a mental illness or battles substance abuse, and how someone can find recovery.

"Encouraging open conversations about mental health and addiction, promoting awareness, and reducing stigma are key steps in creating a supportive environment for those in need," HealingUS Communities said in a statement.

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"By connecting individuals to resources such as therapy, support groups, hotlines and treatment programs, we can empower them to take control of their well-being and start on the path to recovery."

For further information, please contact HealingUS Communities at info@healingus.org or 833-300-HOPE (4673).

David P. Willis: dwillis@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Freehold Raceway Mall offers free mental health promotion