NORFOLK, VA. June 13, 2017. On May 19th, 2017 the ARDX Foundation held its inaugural May Mental Wellness Awareness Event to kick-off mental wellness initiatives here in the Hampton Roads Community. With a mission of “Shining a Light on Mental Wellness,” and a specific focus on women and their families, the event brought in nearly 100 community leaders, advocates, and individuals who are passionately trying to change the story on how mental wellness is addressed. And a story they did tell…
Appropriately themed “What would you do if you knew my story?,” the ARDX Foundation shared the stories of three women and young girls who have dealt with common mental health challenges, including postpartum depression, caregiver depression, and suicide. Through the art of storytelling, the ARDX Foundation Board Members spoke openly about the stigma placed on those suffering from mental health, particularly women and young girls. Most importantly, they told their story of how the ARDX Foundation can help transcend the stigma surrounding mental health and create a supportive community that is proactively creating mental wellness initiatives.
“The ARDX Foundation continues to collaborate with other organizations to shine a light on mental wellness for Hampton Roads. Our programs are designed to build awareness, educate, engage, and integrate the resources that are available in our community so that we can all continue the focus on our own mental wellness,” said Executive Director of the Foundation, Penny Sanchez.
In keeping with this strong momentum, the ARDX Foundation is already in the planning phase of several summer programs, including a Minority Mental Health Awareness Month recognition, our START internship program, and various educational webinars.
The ARDX Foundation is also excited to officially announce the 10th Annual Women’s Wellness Celebration Conference, which will take place on Friday, October 20, 2017, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This year’s theme “Continuing the Conversation, Mental Wellness Matters!,” will feature sessions dedicated to kick-off mental wellness initiatives for women of all ages, as well as special sessions dedicated for our military families.
For more information on the ARDX Foundation and to learn more about our upcoming programs and events, visit the ARDX Foundation website today to stay connected at www.ardxfoundation.org.
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About ARDX Foundation
Shining a Light on Mental Wellness
At the ARDX Foundation, our goal is to shine a light on the importance of mental and behavioral wellness and to serve as advocates, partners, educators, mentors, and change agents. We believe in the power of volunteer service and are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable populations, including women, youth, and the elderly living in disadvantaged communities.
We are committed to creating initiatives and providing resources that transform the lives of women and their families, enabling them to make their own mental wellness a top priority.
The ARDX Foundation is inspired by the work of ARDX President and CEO Angela D. Reddix, a strong advocate for and the founder of numerous community outreach programs.
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