Spring is the favorite season of the year for many and the reasons why are generally pretty similar. Saying goodbye to winter, calves being born and green grass showing more and more each day brightens the spirits of many. Longer days, warmer temperatures and just getting outside pretty much sums up their feelings. May is National Mental Health Month and folks in North Central Montana have become increasingly aware of the importance of community awareness and being supportive of those seeking Mental Health care.

84 years ago, in 1949 the United States Congress Federally accepted the importance of Mental Health Care. The reason stated at the time was, "Due to the increased number of veterans suffering from mental illnesses after returning from World War II."

Nationally the push for increased mental health awareness and training combined with community focused events has greatly improved the stigma surrounding the issue but much more is yet to be done. One such organization is NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. According to their website, "Every year during the month of May, NAMI joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Together, we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness.

The origin of NAMI is unique and according to their website, "What started as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table in 1979 has blossomed into the nation's leading voice on mental health. Today, we are an alliance of more than 600 local affiliates who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.

Blaine County has been much more active in addressing Mental Health needs over the past 10 years. Blaine County Health Nurse Valarie Beck commented May being Mental Health Month, "The Blaine County Local Advisory Council for Mental Health (LAC) is kicking off the second annual kindness rocks project. LAC members will be hiding rocks in four Blaine County communities: Chinook, Harlem, Turner, and Zurich. Something new this year is the addition of adding motivational stickers and coffee sleeves to be handed out by local coffee shops and businesses. Businesses include The Coffee Trough, Bikini Coffee, Milk River Pharmacy, Big Flat Grocery, Image-N-That and Foxy Nails.

Beck went on to say, "Just like last year there will be prize rocks. These will have a sticker on the underside saying PRIZE ROCK and will have the BCHD phone number (406-357-2345). When a prize rock is found it needs to be turned into the designated prize pick up location. At each location there will be prizes to choose from that promote being active outdoors. Prize Pick up Locations: Chinook: Blaine County Health Department; Zurich: Blaine County Health Department; Harlem: Harlem Public Library; Turner: Big Flat Grocery.

Beck concluded by saying, "With kindness rocks, motivational stickers, and coffee sleeves we are trying to show the importance of building kindness into the community and spreading positivity one small message at a time. A kinder community is right at our fingertips, but we need the entire community to achieve this. The goal is to empower the community to bring kindness and understanding. Hopefully bringing more awareness, hope, and support towards mental health.

Please join us on June 2nd from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. for the Pre-Season Kick-Off party and community BBQ at the Chinook Pool and Park. This is a free and fun family event, all are welcome. The BBQ will start at 6:00 p.m. and the free pool admission is from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m