You Are Not Alone project starts at Rock Island Public Library locations: May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Rock Island Public Library is kicking off a project to shine a spotlight on community mental health resources.  May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Rock Island Public Library is kicking off a project to shine a spotlight on community mental health resources. 

The three-year project begins with an awareness campaign to help reduce the stigma around seeking help for mental health issues. The Rock Island City Council formally approved the use of ARPA funds for the project earlier in May, then on May 20, the Council presented a proclamation to the Rock Island Public Library and Narratives QC to highlight the organizations’ efforts of providing mental health resources and information to the community. 

Starting May 15, all Rock Island Public Library locations are offering mental health resource cards with key phone numbers and a QR code that leads to a library website page with more community resources. Library visitors can also pick up a complimentary “Stop the Stigma” wristband, pin, and sticker, and check out books and materials about curbing loneliness and understanding positive mental health strategies. 

In later phases of the project, ARPA funding will support additional programming and events that tackle mental health topics and create safe spaces for encouraging communication and relationships. Library staff are also working on a new concept to be rolled out later in the year called “Comfort Carts.” The carts will be stocked with numerous items to help abate feelings of loneliness, and offer activities that encourage positive actions and reflection. 

Mental health resources were among the top 5 priorities in a 2022 community survey for using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. In response, the Council formed a stakeholder focus group, chaired by 2^nd Ward alderman Randy Hurt, to identify unmet needs, potential partnerships, and programs. 

The library is a natural center for this work, notes Angela Campbell, Rock Island Public Library director. “Reading is, itself, a form of self-renewal and self-care that allows people of all ages to destress and unwind, and we also know how important a public library is for creating social connections through the services, resources, and events that we offer,” she said.  

Campbell pointed out that Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, issued a 2023 advisory on the health risks of prolonged loneliness and isolation. Studies quoted in the advisory note that one in every two American adults reported experiencing loneliness, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, which further cut off social ties and worsened isolation. Report link: US Surgeon General’s “Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community”  

“As a public space and a judgement-free zone, we are the first place anyone can turn to for accurate, quality information. In fact, that’s the message behind our library motto, Begin Here. We take the loneliness epidemic seriously, and thank the City Council for providing the funding for this very important initiative,” added Campbell.  

To pick up the mental health cards and other items, visit the Rock Island Public Library Downtown, Southwest, and Watts-Midtown locations. 

For more information about library events and services that encourage social connection, and referrals to area resources, please contact the Rock Island Library Reference and Information desk at 309-732-7341, or visit the library website. Rock Island Public Library events are provided at no cost, and are open to all.