ICYMI: Resource Fair Highlighted Mental Health, Wellness

More than 85 professionals from the mental health and wellness community shared resources with the Virginia Beach public on May 22 at the Municipal Center. 

Mayor Bobby Dyer welcomed the attendees to the Virginia Beach H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Excel) Mental Health and Wellness Resource Fair and emphasized how important he believed these programs were to the community.   

Michael Berlucchi, Virginia Beach City council member for District 3, discussed with the audience his interest in the mental health challenges throughout the city. He said his goal is to ensure that residents, students, teachers, and others are aware of the many resources that are available for those confronting mental and emotional crises. 

Attendees had the opportunity to learn about City departments focused on mental health and well-being at the event focused on: 

• Behavioral health or mental health 
• Suicide prevention 
• Counseling 
• Substance use prevention 
• Physical health 
• Mindfulness and meditation 

One table was dedicated to a “Mindful Moment,” where attendees could experience a guided breathing experience. 

Local individuals, businesses and organizations interested in receiving information about participation in future H.O.P.E. events can register online at virginiabeach.gov/hope.  

Mayor Bobby Dyer established the H.O.P.E. Initiative in 2023 to connect individuals, businesses, and organizations to create a strong network of support that recognizes those who are doing great things and identifies those who need a hand from others.   

The initiative became a City of Virginia Beach program under the City Council’s FY24-25 Focused Action Plan to embrace comprehensive well-being by fostering a clean, inspiring, and vibrant environment where people feel safe and have access to amenities and services that support a high quality of life.