Rockford Hosts First Mental Health Met Gala to Break Stigma and Launch Scholarship

A new event tackles mental health stigma in Rockford

Community members gathered in Rockford on Saturday for the first Mental Health Met Gala in the region. Organizers say the event was designed to break down the stigma surrounding mental health while celebrating healing and connecting people with local resources.

The gala was organized by State of the Mind Institute, a nonprofit that trains mental health advocates through community, family, and school support programs.

Who it matters to

According to organizers, nearly 30% of people served by the Winnebago County Mental Health Board are Black, compared to nearly 52% of white residents. Organizers say the disparity highlights the need for greater awareness and access to resources across the community.

"Sometimes people feel uncomfortable talking about mental health. They feel inspired to hear conversations about mental health," said mental health advocate Merces Joyner.

Licensed professional counselor Kevin Thomas with State of the Mind said the event focused on changing how people view mental health struggles.

"When we talk about mental health, people think we should be sad. We think we should be just trying to get by. Well, guess what? We can celebrate life as well. Tonight we're celebrating healing, hope," Thomas said.

What comes next

Organizers hope the gala becomes an annual event. State of the Mind Institute also launched the Breaking the Silence Scholarship during the event. The scholarship represents an investment in the next generation of mental health advocates and leaders, according to organizers.

The event comes as Illinois lawmakers finalize a $56 billion state budget that includes new taxes on businesses and increased funding for food assistance programs. Local advocates say community-level initiatives like the gala are essential to making mental health resources accessible to the people who need them most.