LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and Mental Health America of Lancaster County is looking to get the entire community involved in recognizing it.
The non-profit is launching its "Shine the Light" initiative. Green is the color that symbolizes Mental Health Awareness Month, so, Mental Health America of Lancaster County is giving green light bulbs to people for free, for them to display outside of businesses and homes. The goal is to get the conversation started surrounding mental health, to reduce the stigma.
"We want to light up Lancaster green to bring awareness to mental health," said Dave Krahlig, the program manager at Mental Health America of Lancaster County. "Let people know that mental health matters, if you have a brain, you have mental health."
Businesses and organizations like Millersville University Center for Health Education & Promotion, Three Legacies Wrestling and Hotel Rock Lititz are all participating in the initiative.
"Someone asked me, 'Once I put out a green light then what?'," Krahlig said. "I said 'Then someone asks you why and the conversation is started.' That's all it takes. And if it takes a green light bulb, then it takes a green light bulb."
Leaders with the organization add that by standing in solidarity and sparking the conversation, people can illuminate a path toward a better understanding of mental health.
People can sign up to receive a light bulb here.
To learn more about Mental Health America of Lancaster County click here.