The McKean County Collaborative Board held their bimonthly meeting on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the Hamlin Library in Smethport. Members of the Collaborative Board include community stakeholders whose vision is to develop collaborative solutions that strengthen well-being for all. The Board Chairs, Dan Wertz on McKean County Department of Human Services and Stephanie Eckstrom of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and the Convener, Jenn Douglass of The Guidance Center, work in conjunction with the Steering Committee to develop the meeting agendas and arrange guest speakers.

The mission of the McKean County Collaborative Board is to identify and respond to community needs by providing opportunities for collaboration. The Collaborative Board meets bimonthly on the first Wednesday of the month. The purpose of these meetings is to share relevant information, opportunities, requests, and/or resources amongst Collaborative Board Members – with the broader purpose of strengthening our communities.

The Board begins each meeting with a selected guest speaker. May’s guest speaker was chosen to highlight Mental Health Awareness Month. Claudette Johnson, Kathy Wright, and Katie Mackey presented on behalf of Rays of Hope. Rays of Hope was founded in 2005 as a non-profit committee of individuals and families of lived experience and agencies that focus on supporting mental health recovery and resilience. Their mission is to create momentum within our community to reduce the stigma of mental health, create hope, and spread the word of recovery and resiliency. They shared upcoming events that contribute to mental health awareness which include:

• Adult Mental Health First Aid Training: hosted by McKean County Department of Human Services, The Guidance Center, and Rays of Hope on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. There is no cost for this training.
• Good Vibes Yoga: a yoga event for mental health featuring music on July 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM, at Pitt Bradford Campus. The cost is $20.00 per person. Bring a lawn chair or yoga mat.

Another mental health awareness opportunity happening in our county includes Evergreen Elm’s 2^nd Annual Mental Health Fair on May 15, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Masonic Lodge in Bradford, PA. This event is for providers to learn about one another and how they can continue to work together. The Board allots designated time during meetings for community stakeholders to share opportunities, events, announcements, and achievements. The meeting typically lasts from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM every other month. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Hamlin Library in Smethport. There is a Zoom option for those who need to attend virtually. If you are interested in being a member of this Board or have any questions, please contact one of the chairs or the convener