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By SCOTT MIMS / Staff Writer

Central Alabama Wellness is planning several “Be Well Shelby” Family Fun Day events throughout the months of March and April in Shelby and Chilton counties.

The events come as part of a re-branding for the organization, which was formerly Chilton Shelby Mental Health Center. All events are open to the public and are free to attend.

The event schedule is as follows:

• March 7 at Chelsea City Hall from 12-4 p.m.
• March 14 at Orr Park in Montevallo from 12-4 p.m.
• March 28 at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road from 12-4 p.m.
• April 18 at the Shelby County Arts Center in Columbiana from 12-4 p.m.
• April 25 at Jemison Park in Jemison from 12-4 p.m.

“It’s really an opportunity to go through the county and do something that a mental health center hasn’t done before,” said Zina Cartwell, prevention director for Central Alabama Wellness. “It’s about creating an atmosphere that will take care of the needs of the community.”

Cartwell said part of the reason for the organization’s name change was to get rid of the stigma associated with the term “mental health.” By removing the stigma, the goal is to allow more people to get the help that they need. Another major focus is the prevention of substance abuse.

“This is our way to give back to the community and our way to appreciate the support we’ve gotten from the community,” Cartwell said. “We want to make sure everyone is well.”

Family Fun Days will include carnival games, interactive games, moonwalks, a live DJ and food trucks with items available for purchase. Events are free to attendees as well as vendors.

Be Well Shelby is sponsored by CAW as well as Leadership Shelby County and Compact 2020. For more information, visit Centralalabamawellness.org.