BY ELESE MCKINLEY
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE — On May 3, the first annual LaFayette Mental Health Fair at the Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be hosted by the Auburn University Rural Health Initiative. The free, come-and-go event invites residents from LaFayette and surrounding communities to explore mental health resources, participate in wellness activities and engage in open conversations about advocacy, self-care and peer support.
Auburn University graduate student Anna Beth Gandy developed the idea for the fair as part of her role as a graduate assistant with the Auburn University Rural Health Initiative. Gandy, who is pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, focuses on expanding access to mental health resources in rural communities.
After sharing her interest in hosting a mental health-focused event, a coworker encouraged her to organize a fair. She then collaborated with colleagues and community members to plan the day’s schedule and create a lineup of inclusive, hands-on activities.
Gandy partnered with the Auburn Rural Health Initiative, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, the Department of Nutritional Sciences, and the Chambers County Community Health and Wellness Center, which works in partnership with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, to bring the event to life.
“We want to be able to empower the younger generation to make a difference in their future and to be able to see an increase in prevention in mental health circumstances as they grow up,” Gandy said.
Gandy hopes the fair will help community members realize that achieving and maintaining good mental health is possible for everyone. She also aims to raise awareness of available resources and encourage continued conversations around mental wellness.
Rural communities across the South often face challenges when it comes to accessing mental health services, including limited resources, transportation barriers and a lingering stigma surrounding mental health care. Cities like LaFayette may have fewer providers, longer wait times and less visibility of support services. Gandy believes that bringing awareness to the persisting barriers to mental health wellness in rural towns is essential to bridging the gap and helping underserved populations receive the care they deserve.
The event will feature guest speakers comprised of Auburn students and faculty, offering attendees the chance to hear from a variety of perspectives. Clinical mental health counseling students will lead the first two community conversations: “What is Mental Health?” and “Dealing with Stress and Anxiety.” A nutrition and dietetics student will lead “Fueling Your Mind,” focusing on how food can affect mental health. These community conversations will address stress, anxiety and overall mental wellness.
Throughout the day, attendees can also participate in activities like a walking club, Zumba and yoga classes to help people de-stress and begin centering self-care and self-development.
“Exercise triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, which are chemicals associated with increased happiness and relaxation,” said Gandy.
Gandy understands that taking the initiative to get up, move and do something beneficial for yourself often leads to feeling happier and more intentional with your actions.
A yoga instructor from Auburn University will guide the yoga session. Additionally, a vision board-making activity will help participants visualize their goals and take steps toward personal growth, with magazines, printouts and other materials provided.
The final community conversation will focus on trauma and grief/loss, helping attendees understand the long-term impact such experiences can have on mental health. All skill levels and ages are welcome.
In addition to the scheduled events, local mental health service providers will host informational tables where attendees can learn about available services and opportunities for support. High school students will also receive a free t-shirt if for attending one of the four community conversation sessions, while supplies last.
While Gandy is graduating next year, she hopes this event will continue on for years to come. All ages and surrounding communities are welcome, ensuring that LaFayette’s Mental Health Fair will be an inclusive and informative event for all.
