Prince William County Hosted Mental Health Awareness Event to Highlight Critical Services

Prince William County staff and community partners recently came together at the McCoart Government Center to participate in a mental health fair to raise awareness about mental health and the resources available to address them.  

The 16th-annual event, hosted by Prince William County Community Services, served as a reminder that mental health is not a sign of weakness to be suffered alone. Mental health issues can affect everyone. No one, whether directly or indirectly, is exempt from being touched by mental illness. 

Georgia Bachman, Acting Director of Community Services, emphasized the importance of the Mental Health Fair, stating, "This event is crucial in bringing together resources, support, and raising awareness for our community. It offers individuals an opportunity to learn about available services, connect with professionals, and start meaningful conversations about mental health. Events like this play a vital role in breaking down stigma and ensuring everyone knows they have a place to turn for help. The more we engage and educate, the more we empower our community to seek support and prioritize their mental well-being." 

Prince William County Executive Christopher Shorter said the impact of mental health services on the community could not be overstated, and the services the county and its partners offer show that everyone is connected. 

“Mental health services are truly a lifeline for so many in our community. For individuals experiencing mental health crises, these services offer not only relief, they also offer hope—hope that healing is possible, hope that brighter days are ahead, and certainly a knowledge that they are not on this path alone,” Shorter said. “The benefits of mental health care extend well beyond the individual. When someone receives the support they need, we see families strengthened, relationships restored and entire communities made healthier and more resilient.”  

Shorter further emphasized the county's commitment to supporting individuals facing mental health crises, highlighting the network of dedicated professionals and agencies that deliver critical services with compassion, professionalism and skill. 

“A prime example of this commitment is our new Crisis Receiving Center opening next year, to assist individuals experiencing a mental health crisis,” Shorter said. “The core elements of the CRC are timely treatment, safety, accessibility and effectiveness. This center is just one part of a broader network of services aimed at addressing mental health in our county. Whether through counseling, crisis intervention, peer support or community outreach, our teams help break down the barriers of stigma, provide support in times of need and ensure that care is accessible to everyone who needs it.”  

Prince William County Chief Transformation Officer Lisa Madron, formerly the executive director of Community Services, was present at the event and shared her hope that attendees left with a deeper understanding of mental health and the resources available to them. 

“Today's event is really focused on mindfulness and mental health, and really to inspire everyone to practice mental health awareness, as well as to take care of their mental health,” Madron said. “Because anyone can experience mental health challenges. And this event provides resources. It has really brought this community together.”  

The event also featured the county’s co-responder crisis units, represented by Sara Hussain and Master Police Officer Garrett Gourlay, who respond to mental health crisis calls. They were joined by Art Square, a crisis team supervisor from Community Services, who discussed the importance of knowing about the resources available. 

“With the emergency services unit, we work with those who are having crisis at their homes. We have a co-responding team that can go out in the community. And we all also have outreach engagement, which helps those in the community,” Square said. 

Hussain echoed the significance of these services, stating, “A lot of people don't know the resources that are available to them. So often times they feel scared, or they don't want to call for help. I think it's really vital to come to these events and see the resources that the county really has to offer.”  

Visit the Prince William Community Services webpage for more about the available resources surrounding mental health services and support.   

See the Buzz video about the event here.