Fresh Check Day recently made its way to Durango, Colorado to get the entire community talking about mental health and suicide prevention. This free event, open to the whole community, took place on Saturday, September 22, 2012 from Noon to 5pm at Three Springs Plaza. The Mayor of Durango issued a proclamation for the day. Acclaimed singer and songwriter, Meg Hutchinson, was flown in from the East Coast by the <a title=”Jordan Matthew Porco Memorial Foundation” href=”http://rememberingjordan.org” target=”_blank”>Jordan Matthew Porco Memorial Foundation</a> to perform. Having struggled with her own mental health at the age of 19 and using songwriting as a way to express what she was going through, Meg has found that music is a powerful way to cut through the stigma and reach people about mental health issues. TBA (formerly Cosmic Accident) also performed. The event featured interactive booths promoting mental health awareness. Local food vendors and wellness groups in the community came together to share their mental health messaging, including equine therapy courtesy of Horse Empower. Representatives from Ft. Lewis College and The Southern Ute Tribe were also present. The day’s events got the community of Durango talking openly about the importance of removing the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide and encouraged community members to reach out for help when needed.

Read about Fresh Check Day Durango in the Durango Herald