On Tuesday, August 29, in Cotton Avenue Plaza, Macon Mental Health Matters (MMHM) announced a new series of events as part of the MMHM Wellness Weekends, as well as its new website and logo. You can watch the full press conference here. 

“I am so proud of what this initiative has become, and it’s thanks to the wonderful people who are dedicated to making sure mental health matters,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “We’re excited to see how they continue to expand and try to reach more people in our community.”

Mayor Miller and MMHM Coordinator Andrea Cooke announced the expansion of the monthly Mental Health Pop-Up Gyms to become Wellness Weekends. Instead of the opportunity for free mental health services happening just one day a month, they will extend to every second Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of every month. The first Wellness Weekend begins Friday, September 8, with Yoga in the Plaza at the newly constructed Cotton Avenue Plaza starting at 7:00 p.m. 

“When we designed this space, it was with the intentionality to make it about peace and respite; that’s why you see it’s surrounded by trees and far slower traffic,” said Urban Development Authority Executive Director Alex Morrison. “That’s why we’re excited that Yoga in the Plaza is the first regularly scheduled event happening in this space.” 

The next day – Saturday, September 9 – from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., the Pop-Up Gym will return to Memorial Park (2465 2nd Street), rain or shine, with drum circles, therapy, yoga, and fresh produce from the Napier Heights Food Co-Op.  

The Wellness Weekend will end with a Healing Hike on Sunday, September 10, at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (1207 Emery Hwy) at 8:00 a.m. You’ll get the opportunity to walk at your own pace with friends and mental health professionals, while taking in the beauty of nature.

“We wanted to create more opportunities for people to get the free mental health services they deserve,” said Cooke. “While each day will have different activities, there will also be licensed therapists  at every event to provide the help needed. We hope people take advantage of our Wellness Weekends and use the resources we’re providing because mental health matters.” 

You can find more information on the newly designed MMHM website, www.MaconMentalHealthMatters.com. It features the new MMHM logo, which was designed by students in Mercer University’s Advanced Design Class. You can also follow MMHM on Facebook for more updates.