The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services is inviting residents to connect and find support this May through a series of over ten free events. The initiative, led by Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and various community partners, is designed to promote well-being, foster community connection, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
A featured event, “Finding Help and Hope: Stories of Crisis and Recovery,” will spotlight men’s mental health journeys, with co-hosting by NAMI-Marin and The Men and Boys Action Team. The evening will feature TED speaker and mental health advocate JD Schramm. The event will take place May 14 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the College of Marin, Center for Student Success, located at 835 College Ave. in Kentfield. Registration is required via Eventbrite.
The events are free and open to the public, featuring a mix of wellness activities, community conversations and storytelling. Select sessions will also be offered in Spanish. Dr. Todd Schirmer, Director of BHRS, stated “Connection is at the heart of healing.” The programming reflects an understanding that meaningful recovery happens within community contexts, with peer support and shared experience playing crucial roles in the healing process.
Residents in need of mental health support can call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call Marin’s 24-hour Access Line at 1-888-818-1115. Event details and registration are available at Prevention.MarinBHRS.org/MMHM2026.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://patch.com/california/novato/free-mental-health-events-marin-county-focus-connection-hope