National Wellness Week is September 19-25
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Mental Health (TDMH) Commissioner Doug Varney is promoting September 19-25 as National Wellness Week.
National Wellness Week seeks to promote the many ways wellness can improve quality of life and increase life expectancy for people with mental and substance use disorders.
This year marks the first year of National Recovery Week, which was launched by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as part of National Recovery Month. National Wellness Week aims to inspire individuals to improve one physical health behavior while also exploring their talents, skills, interests, social connections and environment in order to incorporate other dimensions of wellness.
As part of the TDMH’s new whole health initiative, My Health, My Choice, My Life, the department has encouraged all community mental health centers, community alcohol and drug abuse agencies and peer support centers to assist them in promoting National Wellness Week by hosting or participating in an events or activities that focus on physical activity.
“I am encouraged by National Wellness Week’s positive message that improving overall health, both physical and mental, can greatly impact one’s quality of life,” Varney said. “Our department is excited to partner with SAMHSA and other mental health advocates in sponsoring statewide wellness activities for those affected by mental and substance use disorders.”
Community providers and mental health associations across the Nashville area are coordinating a Wellness Celebration on Tuesday, September 20th from 11:00-2:00 at Centennial Park in Nashville, which will provide an array of physical activities to participate regardless of one’s physical ability. Activities will include kickball, volleyball, walking, stretching, lawn games, group zumba and karaoke.
For more information about National Wellness Week or mental and substance use disorders contact TDMH’s Office of Communications at (615) 253-4812. For more information about SAMHSA visit http://www.samhsa.gov.
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