The 2023 Fair is tentatively scheduled to take place in late September.
The 2023 Mental Fitness Fair annual fundraiser supports The Aspen Strong Mental Health Fund held at Aspen Community Foundation subsidizing mental health services for under-insured and uninsured individuals and families who cannot afford to pay for them. Scholarships are awarded for up to 10 sessions per request for private therapy, group therapy and psychiatric assessment.
The title Faulty Human comes from artwork and inspiration from local Aspen High School alum and artist, Axel Livingston:
“Mental illness is a continuous cycle for me, the second I think I have one base covered I seem to slip up on another. I find myself trapped in the jaws of something I don’t quite understand. I’ve found it very helpful to express the pain & try to unattach from it. It’s beneficial to attribute my pain to a condition rather than think of myself as a faulty human. The idea around this piece is mental growth. I have only grown because I expressed myself. There is a profound power in acknowledging & releasing pain and discomfort. However we may do this, it all works the same”.
In reading his explanation of what mental illness meant to him, we see the shame that may come with the feeling of being a faulty human. However, we are all perfectly imperfect. We are all “faulty” in some way. We want to take this opportunity to celebrate our differences and our similarities. To come together as one, one community, that encourages people to be proud of who we are, and to provide as many resources and tools that support the four pillars of mental fitness.
The mental health fund distributed $89,000 in 2022, the fund is low, and the need for services is increasing. Our goal is to distribute $100,000 in scholarships in 2023 to help those who are suffering in our community find the tools they need to survive and thrive.
We need your help in making sure that we can continue to offer financial support to those who otherwise would not be able to receive it.
A donation of $1250 supports a full cycle of 10 therapy sessions for one person. A donation of $125 supports one therapy session. A donation large or small can make a big impact on the mental well-being of our community!
“Timely and effective mental health care is essential for our community and for the health and wellbeing of all of us as community members. With Aspen Strong’s leadership and their resources, every member of our community can have the ability to recognize when they are in need of help and access the care they need.” – David Ressler; CEO Aspen Valley Hospital
Contact us about getting involved
Would you like to be involved with the 2023 Mental Fitness Fair? Register below for all opportunities to attend and be a part of making a true difference in our communities