Free community event promotes mental wellness, recovery, resilience, and hope through family-friendly activities and local resources

Healthy Franklin County will host Carnival of Care: Embracing Mental Health on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Waynesboro YMCA.

Held during Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month, the free community event is designed to raise awareness about mental health, encourage open conversations, connect residents with local resources, and promote hope, healing, recovery, and resilience.

Mental health affects everyone.

Carnival of Care creates a welcoming environment where community members can learn about available resources, build connections, and discover ways to support their own well-being as well as the well-being of family, friends, and neighbors.

Ahead of the festivities, the United for Recovery & Prevention Annual Meeting will be from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the YMCA Community Room.

Attendees will hear updates on taskforce initiatives and a presentation by Karen Johnston, Executive Director of Healthy Communities Partnership of Franklin County, highlighting youth-focused alcohol and drug prevention efforts.

The public is welcome to attend.

Beginning at 3:30 PM, Carnival of Care will transition into a community celebration outside of the YMCA featuring free family activities, educational resources, entertainment, and refreshments.

Featured Activities Include:

Dunk tank | Balloon twisting | Face painting | Stilt walker | Bouncy house | Carnival games and activities hosted by local organizations

Free Food and Treats:

Hot dogs | Popcorn | Cotton candy | Snow cones

A key element of the event is the opportunity for residents to connect directly with organizations that provide services related to mental health, substance use recovery, prevention, wellness, and family support.

More than 20 community organizations are expected to participate, offering information, educational materials, and interactive activities for attendees of all ages.

Visitors are encouraged to explore vendor exhibits and participate in the Carnival of Care Community Resource Passport, collecting signatures from participating organizations for a chance to win prizes while learning about the many resources available throughout the community.

Participating organizations include healthcare providers, counseling agencies, recovery support organizations, prevention programs, advocacy groups, and other community partners working to strengthen mental wellness throughout Franklin County.

Visit www.healthyfranklincounty.org for more information.