The First Annual SMCC Mental Health and Well-Being Expo raised more than $17,000 dedicated towards the SMCC Behavioral Health scholarship fund!
A transformative and free community event dedicated to mental well-being, the SMCC Mental Health and Well-Being Expo teamed up with local healthcare providers and managed healthcare organizations to raise awareness about mental health and to bring services to the community. The Expo brought a fun and entertaining experience to families in South Phoenix and surrounding communities.
The 2024 SMCC Mental Health and Well-Being Expo was funded through ARPA funding awarded to MCCCD through House Bill 2961. The intent of the funding to support the implementation and expansion of Behavioral Health programs at five MCCCD colleges. The five colleges Glendale College, Mesa College, and Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, and South Mountain College joined together to support the initiative. MCCCD faculty and staff, SMCC Behavioral Health Students, and community members volunteered their time to ensure the expo was a success.
Approximately 1,000 community members attended the first SMCC Mental Health & Well-Being Expo. Valle del Sol Hispanic Leadership Institute Class of 2023 had a check presentation for the donation of $2500 to support a scholarship fund for students pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Health Sciences.This contribution, derived from proceeds of the Fall 2023 Movimiento Family Fun Run. Overall there was more than $17k of funding raised dedicated towards the SMCC Behavioral Health scholarship fund.
There were more than 80 vendor booths offering complimentary physical and behavioral health screenings, exclusive access to organizations, vaccinations, stress management, mental health education, and free resources such as COVID-19 tests, Similac baby formula, and mammogram coupons. Through this event over 150 individuals received health screening.
Thank you to our sponsors of this amazing event!
- Platinum sponsors: CommonSpirit Health, Equality Health Foundation, National Institute of Behavioral Medicine (NIBM) and La Frontera: EMPACT-Suicide Prevention Center.
- Gold sponsor: Valle del Sol.
- Silver sponsors: Community Bridges, Open Hearts Family Wellness and Sun West Mortgage Company.
Check out the amazing video of the event!