BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. — The Rotary Clubs of Brunswick County are hosting a Mental Health Summit this week to kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, bringing together local experts, advocates, and community members to discuss pressing mental health issues. The event aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and connect residents with resources.
The summit, scheduled for May 5 at the Brunswick County Community College, will feature panel discussions, workshops, and keynote speeches from mental health professionals. Organizers say the initiative responds to rising mental health concerns in the region, exacerbated by post-pandemic stressors and limited access to care in rural areas.
“This is about creating a safe space for dialogue and action,” said a Rotary Club spokesperson, who noted that suicide rates and anxiety disorders have increased in Brunswick County over the past five years. Local health officials corroborated these trends, citing CDC data showing a 22% rise in mental health-related ER visits since 2019.
Analysts suggest the summit could serve as a model for other rural communities struggling with similar challenges. “Grassroots efforts like this are critical when state and federal resources are stretched thin,” said a public health researcher familiar with the region.
Future initiatives may include training programs for first responders and school staff, as well as partnerships with telehealth providers to expand access.