Community members and students are invited to attend a free presentation by Aly Raisman as part of Mental Health Month events in Maryville.
The event is hosted by Mosaic Medical Center Maryville, the Nodaway County Commission, the Northwest Missouri Cooperative Mental Health Board and the Student Activities Council at Northwest Missouri State University. Raisman will deliver two lectures at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday at Bearcat Arena on the Northwest campus.
Raisman, a three-time Olympic gold medalist with USA Gymnastics, was the first American to win gold in the floor exercise and is a two-time New York Times bestselling author. She now uses her platform to advocate for mental health awareness, promote positive body image and emphasize the importance of self-care.
Faith Thompson, director of Northwest’s Office of Student Involvement, said attendees will also learn about local mental health resources alongside Raisman’s personal experiences.
“There is a sense of community here in Maryville,” Thompson said. “There are a lot of resources this town has, and there are people who are always around you if you are having a mental health crisis or if you are looking for help in that area.”
Tickets are free, but reservations are requested as the event is expected to fill quickly. Seats can be reserved online.