Wow! Have we got something special for you! An event that will leave a permanent mark on our communities! Permanent ink mark, that is! And, you and yours are invited!

October is Mental Health Awareness Month! To celebrate, we are throwing this great big party! Announcing our

Mental Health Awareness Tattoo Rally! on Saturday, October 22, 3 to 8 p.m., at Rose City Tattoo, 1145 N. Bechtle Ave., Springfield, OH 45504.

Our rally, co-sponsored by NAMI Ohio and the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Clark, Greene and Madison Counties, will feature a free mental health awareness tattoo for all who want one (you must be 18 years or older). Choose between a green ribbon or the word Hope in a variety of fonts! We’ll even have an old-fashioned photo booth for you to memorialize your new tattoo! (See flyer, attached)

If you’re not really into body art, that’s okay, too! Come join us anyway to show your support for mental health awareness! There’ll be food, fun, photos and much, much more!

According to NAMI Ohio, nearly 60% of individuals with diagnosed mental health disorders do not receive any treatment, and a staggering 80% of children in need of treatment do not receive any care at all. We can and must do better. Help us to raise awareness and bring mental illness out of the shadows. See you there!