Brunswick County rotary clubs to host mental health summit

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Rotary clubs across Brunswick County are coming together to host a community-wide Mental Health Summit on May 1, marking the start of Mental Health Awareness Month with a focus on education, resources, and connection.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation and is open to the public. Attendees will hear an overview of mental health issues affecting Brunswick County, learn about available local resources, and have the opportunity to connect directly with service providers.

Organizers say the summit is designed to both raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health, while encouraging individuals to seek support when needed.

“Mental health is an important issue that affects every single one of us, either directly or indirectly,” said Frank Williams, president of the Leland Area Rotary Club and a past member of the Rotary District 7730 Mental Health Task Force. “We hope this summit will raise awareness of mental health issues in Brunswick County, connect people with resource providers, and encourage those who need support to seek it.”

The upcoming summit builds on a similar county-wide event hosted by local Rotary clubs in 2024, which aligned with Rotary International’s “Create Hope in the World” initiative. That effort emphasized the importance of addressing mental health through community engagement, with goals that include reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and improving access to care.

While RSVPs are encouraged, they are not required for attendance. Organizers say the event is intended to be accessible to anyone interested in learning more about mental health resources in the community.