Mental Health Matters

Tuesday, April 28:

• De-Stress Fest at Coconino Community College
  • Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Location: Lone Tree Campus, 2800 S. Lone Tree Rd., Flagstaff
  • Description: De-Stress Fest is a free event that offers Coconino Community College students, faculty, and staff a chance to pause, recharge and connect before finals.

Wednesday, April 29:

• Presentation on compassion fatigue hosted by 928 Central
  • Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Location: 3355 E. Soliere Ave., Flagstaff
  • Description: An opportunity for non-profit leaders to gather, learn and get resources. The free presentation will focus on compassion fatigue, which is the emotional, physical and psychological exhaustion that results from prolonged exposure to the suffering of others.

• NAU’s Dogs in the Den
  • Time: 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
  • Location: The NAU Zen Den is located in the Health Promotion Office within the Health and Learning Center, located at 824 S. San Francisco St., Flagstaff
  • Description: NAU staff, students, and the community are invited to take a “paws” in their day to enjoy arts and crafts, de-stress and pet therapy dogs during this relaxing, free event.

Friday, May 1:

• NAU Giving Day celebration
  • Time: 5 p.m.
  • Location: Mother Road Brewing, 7 S. Mikes Pike, Flagstaff
  • Description: NAU is hosting a free NAU Giving Day celebration to honor the incredible impact of the Lumberjack community. The event takes place alongside Flagstaff’s vibrant First Friday Art Walk and Community Event, where Northern Arizona Healthcare will host a table to share information about Mental Health Awareness Month and sell Mental Health Matters T-shirts.

• Women’s Integrative Wellness Retreat
  • Time: Friday, May 1 at 5 p.m. through Sunday, May 3 at noon
  • Location: True North Integrative Osteopathic Institute, 914 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff
  • Description: Weekend-long wellness retreat to connect with the mind, body and spirit. There will be integrative activities, including sound healing, acupuncture, somatic workshops, Tai Chi and more.
  • Cost: $575, or $499 for members (lodging not included). Funds support True North Integrative Osteopathic Institute.

Saturday, May 2:

• Flagstaff Leadership Program’s Wind Phone Dedication
  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Location: Olivia White Hospice Home, 733 N. Turquoise Dr., Flagstaff
  • Description: Join the Flagstaff Leadership Program for the dedication of the Wind Phone, a community landmark for reflection and healing created by our latest cohort of local leaders. This old-fashioned, disconnected telephone offers a private, judgment-free space for visitors to “call” and speak freely with loved ones they miss, allowing memories to breathe in a quiet, natural setting. This event is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, May 5:

• Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Wellness Center open house
  • Time: 8 a.m. – noon
  • Location: NACA Wellness Center, 1500 E. Cedar Ave., Ste. 52, Flagstaff
  • Description: The Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Behavioral Health Center prioritizes mental health for the Flagstaff community by offering counseling that honors customs, culture and beliefs. This event is free and open to the public.

• EMDR 101
  • Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
  • Location: Cultivate Counseling, 624 N. Humphreys St., Ste. 1 & 2, Flagstaff
  • Description: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to alleviate distress from traumatic memories. Join Cultivate Counseling for this free workshop exploring how EMDR can help process trauma and improve mental health.

Wednesday, May 6:

• NAH’s Coffee, Tea & Us: How to spot a friend in trouble
  • Time: 12 – 12:30 p.m.
  • Location: Virtual event hosted by NAH
  • Description: Learn to spot the signs of a friend in distress and how to start a crucial conversation about mental health. Join NAH’s Behavioral Health team for a session on identifying when someone is in need and how to offer support. This event is free and open to the public.

Friday, May 8:

• Walking with Grief
  • Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
  • Location: Better Place Forests, 18218 N. Hart Prairie Rd., Flagstaff
  • Description: Join Cultivate Counseling and Grief Counselor Dorrie Beckley, LPC, for a forest-based workshop featuring grief education and guided reflection. Visitors are invited to walk the trails of Better Place Forests using these prompts for personal healing. This event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 9:

• Wellness Walk with NAH
  • Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
  • Location: Buffalo Park, 2400 N. Gemini Dr., Flagstaff
  • Description: Join Northern Arizona Healthcare for a Wellness Walk designed to foster connection with the environment and others. Simple social interactions and observing wildlife can reduce loneliness and enhance overall mental well-being. This event is free and open to the public.

Sunday, May 10:

• Bike to Work Week begins
  • Description: Join the Flagstaff Biking Organization during Bike to Work Week to experience the mental health benefits of cycling. Biking can improve your mood, reduce stress, enhance cognitive function and lead to better sleep. This community initiative is free, open to the public, and happening at various times and locations.

Monday, May 11:

• Community conversation: How trauma affects the body in veterans and first responders
  • Time: Noon
  • Location: Join virtually or attend in person at Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave.
  • Description: Join Cultivate Counseling for a community conversation focused on veterans and first responders. This session explores the physiological impacts of trauma, helping participants understand how these experiences can change both the brain and body. This event is free and open to the public.

• Free virtual yoga with NAH
  • Time: 12 – 12:30 p.m.
  • Location: This is a virtual event hosted by NAH
  • Description: Join Northern Arizona Healthcare for a free virtual yoga session. Yoga supports mental health by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and promoting emotional resilience through physical postures, breathwork, and mindfulness. This event is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, May 12:

• NAH Wellness Kitchen
  • Time: 12 – 12:30 p.m.
  • Location: This is a virtual event hosted by NAH
  • Description: Join Northern Arizona Healthcare and Cultivate Counseling for a free Wellness Kitchen event. Learn how a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and support brain function. Hosted by NAH’s Children’s Health Center Dietitian Jillian Peart, NAH’s Vice President of Philanthropy Maraka Oltrogge, and Clinical Director and Founder at Cultivate Counseling Melissa Dohse. This event is free and open to the public.

• Bark Break (Puppy petting at City Hall)
  • Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
  • Location: Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff
  • Description: High Country Humane is hosting a free Bark Break event, where you and your family can enjoy the benefits of petting puppies. Petting a dog triggers a cascade of neurochemical reactions in your brain, profoundly impacting your emotional state. Petting a dog elevates levels of “feel good” hormones like oxytocin and dopamine and reduces stress hormones such as cortisol, leading to a sense of calm, connection and overall well-being.

• Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation
  • Time: 3 p.m.
  • Location: Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff
  • Description: The City of Flagstaff will issue a formal proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month during a City Council meeting. This public announcement recognizes the resilience of those living with mental health conditions and honors the dedication of professionals and loved ones supporting them. The proclamation aims to reduce stigma, raise awareness for challenges like anxiety and depression, and advocate for accessible, affordable care for all of our neighbors. This event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, May 13:

• Mental Health Matters Rides
  • Time: 4:30 – 5:45 p.m.
  • Location: Cyclebar Flagstaff, 319 S. Regent St., Flagstaff
  • Description: Boost your mental well-being with CycleBar’s low-impact, high-intensity cycling, designed to reduce stress for all fitness levels. Join the Mental Health Matters ride on May 13 for just $10 with promo code CYCLEBAR10 (regularly $23). This code can be used twice and is valid for any class time if you can’t make the scheduled event.

Thursday, May 14:

• Lunch & Learn with Stuck Acupuncture
  • Time: 12 – 3 p.m.
  • Location: Flagstaff Medical Center’s McGee Auditorium, 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff
  • Description: Join Stuck Acupuncture for a free session exploring how acupuncture supports mental health. As a local nonprofit dedicated to accessible, trauma-informed care, Stuck Acupuncture helps reduce stress and promote emotional balance through holistic body-mind integration. This event is free and open to the public.

Friday, May 15:

• Hope Receiving Center Open House
  • Time: 12 – 4 p.m.
  • Location: Coconino County Juvenile Court, 1001 E. Sawmill Rd., Flagstaff
  • Description: The Hope Receiving Center is a community diversion and deflection program for youth and families in Coconino County. By providing timely interventions and referrals, the center enhances public safety and reduces the need for secure detention. This resource keeps youth in their community by quickly wrapping supportive services around families to meet immediate needs and lower overall risk. The open house is free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 16:

• Flagstaff Fitness Sampler
  • Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Location: Elevated Athletic Wellness, 1072 Old Canyon Ct., Flagstaff
  • Description: Join The Beauty Boost Flagstaff for the Fitness Sampler, a high-energy event designed to enhance your mental and physical well-being. Experience back-to-back “tastes” of workouts from various local studios alongside health, wellness and spa stations from Flagstaff businesses. Tickets are $35 or free for The Beauty Boost members.

• Spin Class
  • Time: Noon
  • Location: Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave.
  • Description: Join The Box Studio for a spin class designed to boost your mood and reduce anxiety through upbeat, intentional movement. This session is part of their mission to empower the community through creative fitness. The event is free for City Hall and City of Flagstaff staff, and will open to the public if space remains.

Monday, May 18:

• Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) injections for PTSD: A public discussion
  • Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
  • Location: Join us virtually (link coming soon) or in person at Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave.
  • Description: The Flagstaff Fire Department is hosting a session on PTSD and the use of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB). Dr. Khan will speak on how these injections aid in addressing PTSD and other first responder mental health issues. This session explores how SGB may alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. This event is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, May 19:

• Breathwork and Meditation with NAH
  • Time: 12 – 12:30 p.m.
  • Location: This is a virtual event hosted by NAH
  • Description: Join Northern Arizona Healthcare for a virtual 30-minute meditation and breathwork break led by NAH staff member Leiana Swadish. This session is designed to reduce cortisol levels and enhance brain function during your lunch hour. This event is free and open to the public.

• Track Tuesday for Mental Health
  • Time: 6:15 p.m.
  • Location: Coconino High School Track, 2801 N. Izabel St., Flagstaff
  • Description: Join Team Run Flagstaff (TRF) and Blank’s Sports Nutrition for a structured track workout designed for all ability levels. Physical activity significantly boosts mental health, and this session includes hydration and recovery support from local nutrition experts to help you perform your best. This event is free for first-time attendees, $10 for a one-day pass or included with a TRF membership.

Wednesday, May 20:

• Ales with the Arb
  • Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
  • Location: Mother Road Brewing Company, 7 S. Mikes Pike, Flagstaff
  • Description: Join The Arboretum at Flagstaff for a pint at Mother Road Brewing Co. and learn about the latest research in the ecological sciences. This month’s conversation explores how nature and conservation can improve your mental health.

Sunday, May 24:

• Puppy yoga benefiting High Country Humane
  • Time: 10:30 a.m.
  • Location: Beer Garden Patio at Dark Sky Brewing Co., 103 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff
  • Description: Join High Country Humane and Dark Sky Brewery for puppy yoga, a unique session benefiting our local animal shelter. Both yoga and puppy interaction support mental health by reducing stress, enhancing mood and promoting emotional resilience. Tickets are $30, with all funds directly supporting High Country Humane here in Flagstaff.

Monday, May 25:

• Yoga with NAH
  • Time: 12 – 12:30 p.m.
  • Location: This is a virtual event hosted by NAH
  • Description: Join Northern Arizona Healthcare for a free virtual yoga class open to the public. Yoga supports mental health by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and promoting emotional resilience through a blend of physical postures, breathwork and mindfulness. This event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, May 27:

• Pathways to Community Open House
  • Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
  • Location: Flagstaff Jail Facility, 951 E. Sawmill Rd.
  • Description: Join Coconino County Health & Human Services for an open house to learn about Pathways to Community. This collaborative partnership provides vital re-entry support for individuals leaving the Coconino County Jail by offering immediate connections to housing, transportation and behavioral health services. This event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, May 28:

• Blind AF screening & first responder fundraiser
  • Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
  • Location: Cline Library, 1001 S. Knoles Dr., Flagstaff
  • Description: Join Northern Arizona Healthcare and Redemption Counseling Center for a special screening of Blind AF, a unique cinematic experience and capstone event to raise funds for our local first responders. This gathering highlights the vital importance of mental health support for those who serve our community. Admission is free, and donations are gratefully requested to support our local first responders.
  • RSVP today.

Saturday, May 30:

• Spin class for Guardian Air Transport
  • Time: Noon
  • Location: Guardian Air Hanger
  • Description: Join The Box Studio for a spin class focused on empowering the community through upbeat, intentional movement. Regular physical activity significantly enhances mental health by reducing anxiety and boosting overall well-being. This session is free for Guardian Air Transport staff and will open to the public if space remains.