Resource Fair to Highlight Mental Health, Wellness

Informational resources for mental health and wellness will be shared at a free event for the public this month. The Virginia Beach H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Excel) Mental Health and Wellness Resource Fair will be 5:30-7:30 p.m., May 22, in Building 19 at the Municipal Center, 2416 Courthouse Drive.

Attendees can learn about organizations and City services related to mental health and well-being at the event hosted by Michael Berlucchi, Virginia Beach City council member for District 3.

“Nearly all people are touched in some way by the impacts of mental health issues, from young people to adults of all ages,” Berlucchi said. “Whether you are seeking to learn more about services that are available or caring for a relative experiencing mental illness of any kind, you’ll want to attend this wellness fair and engage with professionals in the mental health field and learn more about these issues.”

Partners include organizations focused on:

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

One table will be dedicated to a “Mindful Moment,” where attendees can experience and put into practice a guided breathing experience exercise.

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. For questions regarding the May 22 H.O.P.E. event, please call 757-385-7847.

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.