Healthy Oconto County’s Healthy and Wellbeing Committee is hosting a men’s mental health event in Suring. Participants from across the region are invited for an evening of laughter, connection and education.
The event will take place Oct. 23 from 5-8 p.m. at Romy’s Holiday Inn at 9600 County Road G, Suring. A family style meal will be served at 5:30 p.m. Cost for the event is $25 and includes dinner, presentation and a chance to win a Fishsconsin Outdoors Fishing Charter or a pair of tickets to the Packers vs. Bears game on Dec. 12.
The event is designed as a male-friendly space for guys to learn about mental health, as well as how to live well and support one another. The gathering features guest speaker Tom Farley, the brother of the late actor and comedian Chris Farley, who died in 1997 as a result of substance abuse. Farley uses the power of improv comedy to foster connection and community peer-led discussion circles, as well as guide workshops focused on stress management, emotional resilience and suicide prevention.
“Men in rural areas face unique pressures — economic uncertainty, isolation and cultural expectations around masculinity,” said Ron Christensen, event planning member and local veteran. “This event is about breaking down those barriers and letting men know it’s OK to ask for help.”
Numerous other raffle prizes will be available. Thanks to grant dollars, funding is available to offset the cost of registration if needed. For information, contact Monica Wagner at 920-433-3703. Anyone in need of transportation can call Kasey Ermis at 920-246-7045. Registration is available online at https://go.wisc.edu/lyq74j.