Skagit Valley College will host MINDfest, a free mental health festival, on May 9 from 1 to 7 p.m. in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in Angst Hall and on Tollefson Plaza at the Mount Vernon campus. The community event, free and open to the public, will focus on the theme “Caring for the Mind, Body, and Spirit.” Pre-registration is encouraged.

MINDfest is sponsored by Mental Health Matters of Washington (MHM WA), a program funded by Skagit County Public Health, North Sound Accountable Communities of Health, and UW Bothell.

“MINDfest is designed to be an informative, inspiring, and inclusive community event,” said Jody Early, Mental Health Matters WA co-director and professor of Health Studies at the University of Washington Bothell. “We are striving to change the social narrative about mental health and talk about it using an intersectional, cross-cultural, and intergenerational approach. Mental health is more than mental illness—it’s also about thriving, growing, healing, and connection.”

Professor Michael Tuncap, a higher education and non-profit leader, will deliver the keynote address, “(e)Racing Hate: Mindfulness, Music, and Mental Health,” exploring the links between mental health, identity, culture, and purpose.

The festival will also address the impact of social media. Dr. Lucia Magis-Weinberg, Assistant Professor of Psychology at UW Seattle, will present on the connection between mental health and social media, followed by a Q&A. Attendees can also view the documentary “LIKE,” which explores strategies for mindful social media use and fostering a healthier relationship with technology.

“We want to create an interactive experience that is fun and uplifting as well as engaging,” added Sandra Huber, event co-chair and co-director of MHM WA. “Our primary objectives are to reduce stigma, to foster cross-cultural dialogue about mental health, and to connect people to the resources and services they need to thrive.”

To pre-register for the event and learn more about MINDfest, visit mentalhealthmatterswa.com/mindfest-2024/.