For years mental health professionals have offered screening for groups around Prince George and this year they're targeting the general public.
In honour of World Mental Health Day on Thursday, four local agencies are sponsoring an event at Veterans' Plaza in front of city hall which will include mental-health screening opportunities, information on mental wellness and a chance for people to make their own stress balls.
"There's such a movement on to reduce the stigma," Canadian Mental Health Association executive director Maureen Davis said.
"We're bringing it out in the open and showing this is nothing to be ashamed of."
In addition to the Canadian Mental Health Association, the event is being put on in conjunction with the Activity Centre for Empowerment; the B.C. Schizophrenia Society and UNBC Community Care Centre.
The screening test includes a 14-unit questionnaire which Davis said will take only about three minutes to complete. After that qualified therapists or therapists in training will sit down with the participant and discuss the results.
"It's very short and sweet," Davis said.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and hot dogs and hamburgers will be sold by donation.
At 1:30 organizers will hold a screening of the documentary film Hidden Pictures at the Activity Centre for Empowerment at 1131 Sixth Avenue.
