REDLANDS, California (May 9, 2016)—Downtown Redlands will be turned “Inside Out” on Friday, May 20 when the Disney Pixar film is screened in Ed Hales Park and characters from the movie make an appearance beforehand at the event to bring awareness to issues of mental health.

In addition to the movie in the park, “Out in the Open” will feature an art contest, art exhibit, and mental health and wellness resources. It is the second annual community event hosted by the University of Redlands Alliance for Community Transformation and Wellness.

 “‘Out in the Open’ and other community outreach events like it are important for encouraging the community to talk about mental health, an often neglected area of our lives but an equally important part of our overall health and wellbeing as our spiritual and physical health,” says Dr. Janee Both Gragg, associate professor in the University’s School of Education Department of Leadership & Counseling. “Mental Health Awareness Month allows us to pay special attention to this aspect of our lives, moving us away from the stigma and discrimination that has historically shaped and colored these conversations.  Now we have to think about how to empower communities to continue these conversations year round and integrate mental health and wellness into every aspect of our lives with pride.” 

About the Alliance for Community Transformation & Wellness

The University of Redlands Alliance for Community Transformation and Wellness (ACTW) was established in spring 2014 to engage community members in conversations about and action toward mental health and wellness.  ACTW is honored to have partnered with Each Mind Matters, a grassroots movement under the California Mental Health Services Authority and funded by voter-approved Proposition 63 to bring mental health awareness community engagement programming to the Inland Empire.