Mental health fair returns to Silver Valley

OSBURN — The second annual Mental Health Fair, organized by Silver Valley CARES, takes place today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Osburn Gene Day Park.

The fair features 40 vendors offering mental health resources, along with games, activities and music. Attendees can receive free school supplies, backpacks and gently used clothes. Complimentary food and a free bus shuttle are also available.

The event underscores the region's mental health provider shortage. In Idaho, there's one provider for every 420 people, while in Shoshone County, it's one for every 850.

Since its 2023 formation, SV CARES has organized various training programs, including suicide intervention, mental health first aid and Alzheimer's awareness. Partnerships with local organizations have led to specialized workshops, such as burnout prevention for first responders.

Looking ahead, organizer Jenna Grant-Arthun outlined new initiatives. "We would like to put a bit of focus on our inmates and getting them some different classes to help them with mindfulness, stress relief and some tools they can take with them when they're released."

The group also plans to expand its popular stress-relief techniques, like "tapping," to both the general public and the jail population.

With these efforts, SV CARES continues to address the community's evolving mental health needs through education, resources and innovative programs.

Contact Jenna Grant-Arthun at jennagrant72@gmail.com or at 208-512-4198 to get involved in the event or SV CARES.

Learn more about SV CARES resources at https://www.svcares.org/.

    Silver Valley CARES is putting on a Mental Health Fair Aug. 3 at Osburn Gene Day Park at 1504 W Yellowstone Ave, Osburn.