Messages of hope and positivity adorn local sidewalks for “Chalk Your Walk Day”

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City sidewalks are brightening up with inspirational messages.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and events and activities are planned to shine light on the issue in our community.

Friday was “Chalk your Walk Day.” Organizations decorated their sidewalks with quotes that encourage strength. The hope is that messages reach those who may need them, but more importantly, get people talking about the issue of mental health.

“I think that the more we talk about it the more preventative we are, instead of having to be reactive to a crisis or to a death by suicide. So, I think it’s really important to make it a common conversation within our community and bring that awareness,” said Bridget Swier, Director of Communications and Outreach at Front Porch Coalition.

The Front Porch Coalition partnered with the Cave Collective, United Way of the Black Hills, Zulu Foxtrot, Torno Mediations, and the Rapid City VFW to write messages in front of their businesses.

For more information on events scheduled during Mental Health Awareness Month, visit the Front Porch Coalition Facebook page by clicking here.