By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — May is recognized as "Mental Health Awareness Month," with "Mental Health Awareness Week" recognized between May 2 and May 8 each year.

The Fort Payne City School system will be wearing green on Friday, May 7 to show support and spread awareness.

According to Fort Payne City Schools Mental Health Services Coordinator Kayla Magbie, the goal and mission of her department is "o provide comprehensive supportive student services to all students in need, to advocate for our students, faculty/staff and school system. To bridge the gap and connect the dots between school, family and community. We want every student within our system to be Happy, Healthy and Safe.

The 2021 message of "Mental Health Awareness Month," which is sponsored by the National Alliance on Mentall Illness (NAMI), is "You Are Not Alone."

According to NAMI, everyone is encouraged to "focus on the healing value of connecting in safe ways, prioritizing mental health and acknowledging that it's okay to not be okay."

Visit nami.org for more information.