Mental Health Resources Available at Upcoming Fair

ALTON - Community members can check out local resources and speak with expert panelists at an upcoming Mental Health Awareness Educational Workshop.

From 3–5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Alton Square Mall outside of Hayner Library, community resources will gather to share information about their work. Attendees can learn about local mental health and crisis services and join an interactive Q&A discussion with three mental health professionals.

“One of the most important things when it comes to people dealing with mental health, and one of my major purposes for this event, is for us all to come together, to know how to support each other through it, and being comfortable with having the conversation and knowing how to support each other,” said organizer Carolyn Caruthers. “I think that’s one of the biggest things, because we all need each other.”

Caruthers, who is working toward a master’s degree in social work, has partnered with the Alton chapter of the NAACP and the 100 Black Men organization to put on this event. She noted that it’s especially important to support underserved communities and expressed her appreciation for the “very impactful” support of these organizations.

The event is free to attend and open to the public. There will be light refreshments provided.

Resources ranging from the Madison County Mental Health Board to Sacred Spaces of CARE will be in attendance. Caruthers hopes attendees can connect with these resources and services, but she also wants to see the organizations get to know each other so they can partner and collaborate in the future.

Three panelists will also be available for an interactive Q&A session. Tracy Webster Cooley, DNP, PMHNP-BC, will join EMDR-certified Jennifer Koranyi, LCSW, and the QMHP co-occurring counselor Eboni Hudson, MSW, for the panel. Jason Farley, the director of the Southern Illinois chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will be onsite to share his lived experience with attendees.

Caruthers noted that working in mental health has shown her how important it is to have these conversations and try to reduce the stigma. She believes this is a big way we can support people who are struggling.

“I’ve been working with the mental health community, and I realized how much it affects so many of us and the impact that it has,” she said. “I felt that it was fitting to have this open dialogue publicly and connect all of us together.”

She hopes to welcome a big crowd to the event on May 12. You can contact her with any questions at suggluvsu@yahoo.com or 314-330-8754.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

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