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Date: 7/25/2023
SPRINGFIELD — For the third year, Coppedge Consulting LLC will host the Mental Health Carnival to provide resources and raise awareness.
The carnival will take place on July 29 at Educare in Springfield, 100 Hickory St. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. and the carnival starts promptly at noon, lasting until 2 p.m.
During the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Coppedge Consulting Founder and Principal Lakisha Coppedge was searching for support and resources to assist her own mental health struggles.
In addition to COVID-19, she said people were “suffering through various pandemics” including racism and police brutality that has afflicted the Black and Indigenous People of Color for decades.
In the culmination of her journey in securing her own “couch,” Coppedge said she felt something needed to be done. So, in 2021, she decided to launch the first Mental Health Carnival to denounce and break barriers of mental health stigma around Black women.
The reason Coppedge decided to call it a “carnival” was to “encourage an open and cheerful disposition toward mental health,” all while enjoying carnival food, games and more, she shared.
The inaugural event brought in about 100 people — both volunteers and attendees — all curious to see what it was about.
She noted that they were “intentionally representative” in partnering with local Black women’s mental health therapists, counselors and organizations to bring awareness, along with providing $2,500 in grants to Black women to utilize toward treatment.
After the first carnival, Coppedge said, “The need to extend the resources to Black men was apparent.” Therefore, in 2022, Coppedge Consulting expanded its reach to include mental health resources for Black men explicitly.
Coppedge shared that her husband, James — co-creator of the V.O.I.C.E. of the Barbershop initiative — led the successful event.
To expand further and support the underrepresented communities, this year’s carnival will include resources for the Latinx community.
“Coppedge Consulting plans to continue its mission to be fully representative of the BIPOC community and increase funding for more grantees. With the help of community partners and sponsors, we will challenge mental health stigma and help all fund their couch while providing a fun-filled day for the whole family,” Coppedge said.
Carnival goers can enjoy free food, activities and games such as face painting and bingo, as well as prizes for all. There will also be local mental health resources available.
In two years of hosting the carnival, $5,000 has been awarded in grants — all of which are holistic.
Coppedge said, “It’s not just about funding … It’s about resource sharing and awareness.” She added that this is not a fundraising event, however, the money is used to sustain the event and give out grants.
To attend the carnival, the cost is $25 for adults and $10 for children. If that cannot be afforded, Coppedge asks interested participants to email her, info@coppedgeconsulting.com, to work something out.
At press time, Coppedge said there were 65 people registered for the event. Advance registration is strongly encouraged as registration is not accepted the day of, unless needed. To register, visit coppedgeconsulting.com. Here, participants can find additional information about the carnival, including sponsorships.
Coppedge shared that the event intentionally takes place in July to observe and celebrate National Minority Mental Health Awareness, which raises awareness of the challenges that affect the mental health of racial and ethnic minority groups.
Coppedge recognized the continued support within the community and looks forward to a successful “trinity year.”