Mesa, Ariz. – Copa Health, a leading provider of integrated healthcare solutions, announces its fourth annual initiative, "Building Resilience in Mental Health," as part of the annual 31 Days of Healing campaign. This initiative marks a significant step forward in raising awareness and fostering resilience in mental health, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month throughout May.

“I am excited to kick off this year’s 31 Days of Healing and invite you to join us in bringing mental health awareness to our communities,” says Copa CEO, Dr. Shar Najafi-Piper. “This year we have many insightful posts and videos by Copa’s team and community stakeholders that will provide valuable information and are targeted toward reducing stigma around mental health.”

Building Resilience in Mental Health is the central theme of Copa Health's 31 Days of Healing, an initiative aimed to inspire resilience and recognize the importance of mental health in everyday life. Through a series of activities, resources, and events, Copa Health is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their best possible mental well-being.

Mental Health Awareness Events Include: 

● (May 1) Mental Health PSAs Launch on Copa's YouTube Page: Notable figures such as Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, journalist Carey Pena, Mesa Chamber President/CEO Sally Harrison, Mesa Councilmember Julie Spilsbury, and many other community leaders and mental health advocates have filmed short messages of hope and resilience. These videos will be made available to educate and inspire the community.

● (May 2) 2024 SEEDS Conference: The goal is to provide parents, caregivers, professionals, young adults, and community leaders with strategies to navigate the behavioral health system, highlighting the importance of mental health screenings for early identification and intervention, as well as providing community connections and resources to assist in managing mental health. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

● (May 18) Mental Health Night at FC Arizona Soccer Game: Join us as FC Arizona takes on Lions United FC in a match dedicated to raising awareness for mental health. This special event aims to break down stigmas, promote self-care, and encourage open conversations about mental well-being. Come witness a high-intensity game while supporting a vital cause. Don't miss out on this opportunity to show your support and make a difference! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.

● Mental Health Web Series: 

● (May 1) Stop the Stigma: How teens can advocate for mental health issues. Panel: Nevaeh and Obediah of Zero Reasons, Riana Alexander, Executive Director Students for Mental Health; Michael Bankston, President NFL Retired Players Association – AZ Chapter; Dallas Hickman, Retired NFL Player and former teacher and coach. 

● (May 8) Empowering Each Other: How to approach someone who is struggling and encourage others to seek help. Panel: Sally Harrison, President/CEO Mesa Chamber of Commerce; Randy Spencer, Partnerships/Development Alice Cooper Solid Rock Teen Centers; Dr. Paula McCall, Executive Director Semicolon Society; Megan Keller and Brian Cooper, parents of a child who died by suicide. 

● (May 15) Navigating Through the Mental Health System: How to know who to reach out to and where. Panel: Dr. Michael Franczak, Copa Health; Laurie Goldstein, ACMI; Josh Mozell, Mental Health Advocate Attorney; Kathy Bashor, Arizona Peer & Family Coalition/NAMI Yavapai. 

● (May 22) Caring for the Caregiver: How can we take care of those who care for our most vulnerable populations? Panel: Tawnya Christensen, Fellowship Square; Dr. Melody Medawar, Compassion Alliance; Amanda Stamps, Mental Health America, AZ; Monika Lukasiewicz, Monika Lukasiewicz, COPE Program at Oakwood Creative Care, Dr. Adam Worley, Copa Health

Copa Health is proud to partner with esteemed organizations including Fellowship Square, Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Semicolon Society, FC Arizona Soccer, Arizona Health Care Association, Mental Health America, AZ Chapter, Alice Cooper Solid Rock Teen Center, NAMI Arizona, Zero Reasons Band, Oakwood Creative Care, and Compassion Alliance in support of the 31 Days of Healing campaign.

For more information, please visit https://copahealth.org/mentalhealthawareness