Free drive-thru giveaway in San Luis Obispo helps connect people with mental health services
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- The San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month on Friday with a special drive thru giveaway in San Luis Obispo.
For two hours, people came through in the cars to at the Transitions-Mental Health Association parking lot to receive a special package.
"We're handing out a goody bag that is filled with resources for people who might need help, things to keep people busy, active, make them happy," said Frank Warren, SLO County Behavioral Health Prevention and Outreach Division Manager. "It's a really great resource bag for folks for their mental health."
The packages were handed out by people using personal protective equipment and public health guidelines were strictly followed.
The first-time event was held to help connect people to valuable resources, especially during this difficult time in the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This is a really hard time to be at home, to not be able to open your business, to not be able to go out and shop, go to a movie, and that plays on people's mental health in sometimes a really negative way," said Warren. "It can lead to overuse of substances. It can lead to depression, anxiety. We want to get out here as much as possible and let people know, there's help available in all forms and sizes in San Luis Obispo County."
Warren said the county has not yet seen a spike in new mental health cases, but added those who are already facing these issues, are especially in need of support and care.
"People who have issues with their mental health, still have those issues," said Warren. "Now, it's just exacerbated by their inability to get out and move, and get out and breath, and get out and be with other people. Social distancing is really a challenge for people who are trying to recover. We've created all kinds of ways for people to stay connected, with their therapist, with their medication, if that's what it takes, but mostly with their social network."
Warren added there are many resources available throughout the county for people who may need assistance.
"We have help available for anyone who needs it," said Warren. "We have a great volunteer core of therapists who are providing free therapy, and so anyone in San Luis Obispo County who feels they need to talk too somebody, they need help, there's resources for them."
There are two more drive thru giveaways planned for later in the month.
The next one is scheduled for Friday, May 22, at the Paso Robles Library parking lot.
The final one is set for Friday, May 29 at the Women's Club of Arroyo Grande.
Both giveaways will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department Facebook page.
