The medical community has made significant strides in the field of mental health over the last half century. Events like the upcoming gathering of the Elanco Mental Health Committee (EMHC) are results of those advancements and also the catalysts for continued positive change.

"I think awareness has grown," said Chrissy Ansari, a member of EMHC. "Mental health doesn't have to be your identity. It's part of who we are. I think more people are more accepting. Just talking about it releases that stigma and releases that support around you."

Last year's EMHC inaugural resource fair was such a smashing success that organizers decided to bring it back for another go. The sequel to the initial resource fair will be conducted from 1 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, at CrossNet Ministries Youth Center, 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland.

The event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

"I think last year went well," said Joan Yunginger, a member of EMHC. "We had vendors attend and people who were grateful. The feel will be inviting and welcoming. It's everything we can think of to make it a positive event."

While the focus of the resource fair is mental health, there will be other services and supplies made available to those who attend. EMHC's resource fair will feature door prizes, giveaways and free haircuts.

"The purpose is to push resources to people who need them," said Ansari. "It's what's available in the community that people might not be aware of. When a lot of people walked in last year, they didn't know their needs. It's filling in the gaps."

Some 25 vendors are expected to attend EMHC's resource fair, a significant improvement over 2025's total of 10. Among the vendors expected to attend are Union Community Care, Community Services Group, Align Life Ministries, New Holland Ambulance Association, Milton Hershey School and CrossNet Ministries.

"The best thing is we get to connect with people in our community," said Yunginger. "Anytime CrossNet does an event like this, we meet new people and get a chance to know them."

About 150 local residents are expected to attend the resource fair, including single parents, families, individuals and older adults.

"We hope we're getting the word out," said Ansari. "Maybe those who enjoyed it last year will tell their neighbors, like 'Hey, I think you can really benefit from this.'

"It's OK to ask for help," added Ansari. "We want to help. I think that's why the committee was founded. Whether we know you or not, we still care."

"I think people desire to be healthier," concluded Yunginger. "It's a desire in all of us, that we feel better than we actually do. We want people to know there are other options and other choices."

For additional information, search for "Elanco Mental Health" on Facebook.