Atchison County Health Department employees Tammy Sly, Janene McEnaney, Andrea Cook, and Julie Livengood helped organize the Mental Health Block Party in Tarkio.

Bryar Wennihan competes in the bungee run at the Mental Health Block Party in Tarkio on Saturday.

Henry Waigand enjoys a flavored snow cone at the Mental Health Block Party.

Luke Morey, Daniel Lesher, and Connor Brown perform as The Pink Bunnies at the block party.

Besides food, music, and games, the Mental Health Block Party also included a wellness walk (top) and yoga (above). The activities were not only fun, but helped everyone pause, breathe, stretch and relieve stress.

It was a beautiful day for the Mental Health Block Party on Main Street in Tarkio Saturday, May 20, 2023. This day was for individuals and families to share important conversations, gather in support and advocacy of mental health, and learn about the resources available throughout the area, while having a good time! A total of 290 people signed in for the event.

This event was made possible by a grant and hosted by the Atchison County Health Department and Connections Counseling and Wellness of Tarkio. This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $35,569,951 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. The project has received a portion of this funding from the Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Rural Health and Primary Care to expand efforts to address health disparities caused by COVID-19.