Mental Health Awareness Green and Jean Day 2026 at Atlanta VAHCS
By Renee Francis-Turner, Public Affairs Specialist/Congressional Liaison
"When we come together to support mental health, we create a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and heard.” said Kajuana Pitts.
The Atlanta VA Medical Center marked Mental Health Awareness Month on Friday with its annual Green and Jeans Day Mental Health Awareness Resource Fair, held indoors at the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Despite rainy weather pushing the event inside again this year, Veterans, staff, and community partners gathered to spotlight the importance of mental wellness and access to care.
“I was finishing up an appointment and saw one of the flyers and just wanted to see what this is all about,” said Veteran Jason Lindsey. “I’m interested in seeing what programs are being offered and gathering some contacts,.
The 2026 fair brought together a wide range of annual internal and external partners committed to supporting Veteran mental health. Representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) & Community Unifications, the Lawrenceville Vet Center, Georgia Department of Veteran Services (GDVS), St. Vincent de Paul, Suicide Prevention, Caregiver Support, and the Shepherd Center – Share Military Initiative, joined the Atlanta VA Mental Health Department to share resources, answer questions, and connect attendees with programs tailored to their needs.
Dr. Robert Novel, Chief of Staff, participated in the art therapy, available at this year’s fair, where participants put their emotions on paper hands to display. “I didn’t want to do this, but they made me,” expressed Novel. “Now, I’m so happy. This is happiness and awareness. It provides happiness and smiles. It’s wonderful”.
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed nationally since 1949, and each May the Department of Veterans Affairs participates in the nationwide effort to raise awareness, fight stigma, and promote the vital connection between mental and physical health. Updated national data from Mental Health America continues to stress the importance of this awareness. Their studies show nearly one in four U.S. adults experiences a mental health condition each year, and millions more will face challenges at some point in their lives. Veterans, in particular, benefit from early access to support, treatment options, and community connection.
“When we come together to support mental health, we create a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and heard.” said Kajuana Pitts, LCSW, Local Recovery Coordinator and event organizer.