More than 2,400 residents attended San Bernardino County’s Fall Wellness Extravaganza, the county said.

The county described the event as a partnership between the San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department and the Department of Aging and Adult Services – Public Guardian; officials said it was intended as a welcoming space for children, families, older adults and community members to connect with county programs and resources.

Attendees enjoyed carnival attractions and organized activities, including a Ferris wheel, train, carnival games, bingo, line dancing and a wellness scavenger hunt; hands-on painting and crafts, a costume contest and live music from Knyght Ryder also were part of the day.

The county said the event linked residents to services and training, offering Narcan training, information on behavioral health resources and a chance to meet adoptable pets through the San Bernardino County Public Health Department; free food was provided and 150 Thanksgiving food bags were distributed to support local families.

"This is what community wellness looks like," Josh Dugas, director of the San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department, said; he added the gathering showed that wellness includes belonging and connections, not just services.

The county said events like the Fall Wellness Extravaganza are a way to bring behavioral health resources into the community in an approachable way; it encouraged people to follow the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health on social media and visit the Behavioral Health website for upcoming events and resources.

Sources & methodology

This report was written from the primary materials below. Links open at the original publisher.

County of San Bernardino

See something we should correct? Read our corrections policy.