An array of family-friendly events across Northern Michigan
North Country Community Mental Health (NCCMH) is announcing May is Mental Health Month. “More Good Days Together” is this year’s theme for Mental Health America and North Country’s May is Mental Health Month activities. The theme is designed to communicate that wellness is not achieved through a single change or action but rather, it’s built on intentional, consistent practices that can lead to more good days.
“Mental Health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable,” said Brian Babbitt, NCCMH Chief Executive Officer.
“Mental health is personal, and what works for someone else may not work for you. Many factors that affect our health are beyond our control. Even when we can’t change everything, noticing what we can influence is important for our well-being. Whether it’s finding ways to move that you enjoy, connecting with your community, or remembering to drink water – small wins matter. Explore different practices and treatments to find what best fits your unique needs.”
“In May, we will host various events and initiatives to raise awareness, encourage self-care, and connect people with resources,” said Babbitt. “The path may look different for everyone, but we all deserve more good days, together.”
NCCMH has planned the following activities during the month of May:
Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 26th Annual Splash of Color Fun Run & Visibility Walk for Mental Health Awareness beginning at the Festival Place Shelter (200 Wachtel) in Petoskey. The Fun Run and Visibility Walk will have colorful paint throw checkpoints. The run will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the walk at 10:30 a.m. All proceeds from the event are donated to the North Country CMH Client Special Needs Fund, helping clients achieve their treatment goals. There will be door prizes, giveaways, and fun “Splash of Color” paint throws! Cost is $15 per person. Everyone who registers will receive a prize drawing ticket. Register at eventbrite.com or https://tinyurl.com/nccmhsplash2026. Register by May 8 to guarantee a t-shirt. You can also register the morning of the event from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. at the Petoskey Festival Place Shelter.
May 4-31 – Art Display in Charlevoix – At Charlevoix Public Library (220 West Clinton Street), view artwork created by members of New Horizons Clubhouse and Petoskey Clubhouse.
“More Good Days Together” Virtual Wellness Series – During the lunch hour, for 30 minutes (12:15-12:45 PM), NCCMH will provide three free virtual wellness programs on a variety of mental health/well-being topics. Register for one or all of the sessions using this link: https://tinyurl.com/mptbbkdr.
The More Good Days Together topics are as follows:
- May 18, Mind & Body Working Together to Move through the World with Ease: Learn about the foundations of the practice of Pilates with Lynn Wolf, owner of Original Work Studio. Accessible to everyone, participants will explore the coordination of brain and body and what it means to move through the day with ease.
- May 19, How to Keep Your Devices Safe: Information Technology Specialists will share advice and tips on how to keep your electronic devices safe. From scam text messages to phishing sites, this talk will go over the basics of staying safe in our online world.
- May 21, Making Connections and the World Outside: Connection is protection. When people support one another through connection, it reduces stress. When people connect with nature, there are neuroprotective benefits that increase cognitive and mental health wellbeing. A professional mental health clinician will lead this session.
Free Community Movies – At 1 PM both on Tuesday, May 26 at the Petoskey Friendship Center (1322 Anderson Rd, Petoskey), and Wednesday, May 27 at the Brutus Friendship Center (6436 E Brutus Rd, Brutus), there will be a free viewing of the movie, The Penguin Lessons. This movie is about a disillusioned English teacher in 1970s Argentina who finds purpose after rescuing an orphaned penguin, which he brings to his school, becoming an unlikely catalyst for change amidst political turmoil. It explores themes of compassion and resilience, with the penguin’s presence positively impacting students and staff during a period of unrest. At both locations there will also be a short presentation by NCCMH’s OBRA/Older Adult Services program staff on mental health and aging after the movie.
NMRE Day of Education – The Northern Michigan Regional Entity is inviting beneficiaries of NMRE Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services to a full day of educational sessions at Treetops Resort (3962 Wilkinson Rd., Gaylord) on Friday, May 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is a free conference which includes a light continental breakfast and lunch. Limited spaces available. Register at Eventbrite or https://tinyurl.com/22a7krjs.
Mental Health America is also sponsoring a two-hour virtual wellness experience on May 20 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. Join for guided chair yoga, reflective journaling, and calming breathwork activities that support both mind and body. This event will also offer insights into how lifestyle choices — like what we eat and how we structure our time — impact our emotional well-being. Registration is required, using this link: https://tinyurl.com/45n7setk.
22nd Annual Walk A Mile In My Shoes Rally – Save the date for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, when mental health advocates from around the state gather at the State Capitol in Lansing to enhance public awareness and educate legislators about why mental health matters; end stigma related to intellectual/developmental disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders; and promote mental health and wellness.
NCCMH provides services to residents of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Kalkaska, and Otsego Counties experiencing a serious mental illness, severe emotional problem, or intellectual/developmental disability, including individuals with co-occurring substance use disorder. Persons wishing to know more about NCCMH are encouraged to visit norcocmh.org or to access services call 877-470-7130.
