The Licking County Health Department is inviting residents to take part in the 2nd Annual Operation BRIDGE: Mental Health & Recovery Resource Fair, a free community event designed to connect individuals and families with vital resources, services, and support.
The fair will span two days and two locations, making it accessible to residents across the county.
Day One will be held on Tuesday, June 16, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Canal Market District, 36 E. Canal Street in Newark. The following day, Wednesday, June 17, the event moves to the West Licking County Family YMCA, 355 W. Broad Street in Pataskala, running during the same hours. Both sessions are open to the public, with no cost to attend, ensuring broad community participation.
Operation BRIDGE was created to strengthen connections between community members and the organizations working every day to support mental health, recovery, and overall wellness. The fair brings together local agencies, nonprofits, and service providers under one roof, offering information on counseling, treatment options, prevention programs, and recovery support. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet professionals, ask questions, and learn about resources available to them or their loved ones.
The event is designed to be approachable for anyone—whether you are actively seeking help, supporting a family member, or simply interested in learning more about mental health and recovery. By hosting the fair in two different locations, organizers aim to reach a wider audience and ensure that residents from both Newark and Pataskala have convenient access to the services being highlighted.
Funded through grants from the Ohio Department of Health and supported by partners including the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the Office of Criminal Justice Services, Operation BRIDGE reflects a collaborative effort to address community needs. A bridge stands as a powerful symbol of connection and support, reminding the community of the importance of building lasting pathways toward healthier, more resilient lives, where individuals and families can find strength, guidance, and hope together.
With its emphasis on accessibility, education, collaboration, and community engagement, the Mental Health & Recovery Resource Fair offers a welcoming environment for all. Organizers encourage residents to stop by, explore the resources, and take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen their own well‑being and that of the community.
