Breaking the Taboo: City of Dallas Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month with Free Counseling Services and Tele-Appointments

The City of Dallas celebrated the start of Mental Health Awareness month and their partnership with Harmony Community Development Corporation (CDC) by holding a proclamation reading on May 8, 2024. Council Member Zarin Gracey, District 3, read the proclamation and highlighted the importance of addressing mental health openly to create environments that support well-being, resilience, and inclusivity.

Leaders from Harmony CDC shared personal stories to reduce the stigma around mental health and encourage residents to seek available support and services for free. The ceremony included special remarks from city officials, community leaders, and a poetry performance, all emphasizing the importance of fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for all individuals.

Mark Porter, the Director of Harmony CDC, stressed the need to utilize all resources to cultivate a mentally healthy community. The organization’s mission is to create a caring environment where the mental health of every individual is valued, addressing issues like violence and poverty within the community.

A study by CertaPet highlighted the challenges uninsured individuals face in accessing mental health treatment. Harmony CDC offers free counseling services, funded by a grant from the City of Dallas, and provides tele-appointments for remote support. Those interested can learn more about the study and how to connect with Harmony CDC for mental health resources on their website.