Shortly after the ELANCO Mental Health Committee (EMHC) formed in 2023, members of the group began manning a display table at the monthly community meals. "(Being at) those community meals, (we) are a face-to-face help between an agency person and a community member," explained EMHC representative John Robbins. "Once they are used to talking to us, we can help guide that conversation (toward connecting with mental health resources) along."

"We're seeing the more we're present and the more we're there, people are more comfortable because they're getting to know us," added committee member Christine Ansari.

The experience made it clear that a resource fair could be an effective way to connect members of the community with mental health resources.

The first Jump Into Summer Resource Fair will be held on Monday, June 9, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Warehouse 100, 100 W. Franklin St., New Holland. The fair will offer a variety of free items and services, as well as the opportunity to connect with area resources. The committee has invited both local organizations and some from as far away as Hershey to set up displays and provide information to local families.

Free ice cream treats will be handed out, and Serrano's Barber Lounge and Joe's Barber Shop will both provide free haircuts. Serrano's Serenity Spa will be represented as well.

Mental health resources that will have displays at the event will include Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital, Community Services Group, Lifepoint Counseling, and Celebrate Recovery. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) will help with medical assistance enrollment, and a representative of the Coatesville VA Medical Center will answer questions about services for veterans. Union Community Care will be represented, and Lighthouse Vocational, which provides employment services to individuals with disabilities, will be present as well. Representatives of New Holland Ambulance will give blood pressure checks and perform car seat inspections. The Terre Hill Area Senior Connections outreach to seniors will host a display, as will the ELANCO Area Library. Groups that specifically provide support for children and youths will include Parents as Teachers, the Milton Hershey School, and COBYS.

Committee members see an individual attending the fair as a possible first step toward making a phone call concerning mental health or other services. "We work with families who reach out to us specifically for these types of resources," said Ansari. "(The fair is) bringing those resources to them in person so they can see the providers that we trust and have worked with and that we're saying they should work with."

"They will be able to talk to someone if they have any questions," added committee member Joan Yunginger.

"They can get answers to those questions without being put on hold or called back," chimed in EMHC member Danielle Kissinger.

Noting that the first accomplishment of EMHC was to create a list of resources for local families, Ansari pointed out, "We are giving them a face-to-face (experience) rather than a list."

Readers who have questions about the event may email Christine_ansari@elanco.org.