These exhibits are free and open to the public, and they aim to provide information about stress management, alcohol and drug use, and overdose prevention as part of mental wellness and substance use awareness.
Anne Robin, the County Behavioral Health Director, expressed pride in bringing these important topics to visitors of the local libraries. According to Robin, the Behavioral Health Department is dedicated to partnering with organizations that can offer education and resources, and these partnerships help connect with new community members who may need their support and services.
These informative galleries are on display at County branches in Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, and San Luis Obispo, and they support the topics found in the library’s 2023 Book of the Year: All My Rage. Moreover, these exhibits not only coincide with Stress Awareness, National Alcohol Awareness, and National Distracted Driving Awareness month campaigns but also complement many of the book's themes around alcoholism, stress, and mental health.
Erica Thatcher, from the County of San Luis Obispo Library, described the Awareness Gallery as a wonderful complement to their Book of the Year selection. Thatcher also invited all readers and visitors to engage with the exhibits and hope it leads to greater conversations about supporting mental and physical wellness.
The galleries offer supportive resources from Behavioral Health, and patrons specific to the San Luis Obispo Library may request free "calm kits" to support their mental health while supplies last. These "calm kits" include a variety of self-care tools like stress balls, journals, relaxation tools, and art-therapy projects.
The free, interactive gallery runs through April 30th and is available in both English and Spanish. More information about the Awareness Gallery, exhibit hours, and "care kits" can be found online at www.slolibrary.org.
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