Benton County is observing Mental Health Awareness Month throughout May with a series of community events and a notable expansion of crisis services set to begin next month.
The Benton County Board of Commissioners kicked off the observance Tuesday morning with a public proclamation at its 9 a.m. meeting. This year’s theme — “See the Person. Support the Journey” — is meant to encourage residents to recognize early signs of mental health concerns and respond with care and compassion.
The month’s activities coincide with an upcoming expansion of hours at the Benton County Crisis Center, located at 240 NW Fourth St., in downtown Corvallis. Beginning June 1, the center will extend its walk-in hours from the current 8 a.m.-5 p.m. window to 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday. No appointment is required.
“We’re excited to expand our hours at the crisis center starting June 1,” Hailey Clark, Crisis and Forensics program manager for Benton County Behavioral Health, said through a press release. “This is something the community has been waiting for, and we’re happy to get one step closer to the overall vision of the crisis center.”
Clark noted the extended hours are part of a broader effort to increase access beyond a standard business-hours model, with further expansion planned as staffing allows.
Around-the-clock crisis support remains available at any time by calling 888-232-7192 to reach an on-call crisis counselor. Residents can also access the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or the National Crisis Text Line at any time.
Community members are also invited to contribute to a paper chain project — writing positive mental health messages on paper links that will be used to decorate the lobby of the crisis center. Materials will be available at several upcoming events throughout the month.
Remaining Mental Health Awareness Month events include Linn-Benton Community College’s Springfest on May 12, a Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis Family Night on May 14, a free Mental Health First Aid Training event on May 15, the Lincoln Elementary Carnival and Monroe Festival on May 16, the Corvallis Spring Roll on May 17 and Get Outdoors Day on May 30.
A Mental Health Awareness Month art show runs May 5 through June 6.
The Benton County Health Department is also running a social media campaign throughout May on Facebook and Nextdoor featuring free mental health resources and educational content. Organizations interested in mental health training for staff or community groups can contact BentonHealthyCommunities@bentoncountyor.gov.
More information on behavioral health resources is available at the Benton County Health Department’s website.