Keith Bear at Stamp Out Stigma Wellness & Recovery Rally

World-renowned Mandan-Hidatsa performer Keith Bear is coming to Colusa County in May.

He will be the featured performer at the annual Stamp Out Stigma Wellness & Recovery Rally, scheduled for May 11 at the Colusa County Fairgrounds. He will also visit Colusa County Schools.

Bear is an educator who works with students of all ages in school programs and residencies. He is an award-winning recording artist for Makoche Records who performs solo and ensemble concerts throughout the United States and… Show more Europe.

Bear’s visit to Colusa County is being sponsored through the Colusa County Department of Behavioral Health (CCBH) Cultural Competency Plan and Health & Human Services and Drug & Alcohol Prevention in commemoration of the annual Stamp Out Stigma (S.O.S.) Wellness and Recovery Rally.

In past years, S.O.S. in Colusa County has been a one-day event. This year, the Department would like to see the Rally be the biggest and best it has ever been. CCBH wants to expand the annual Rally and to encourage countywide participation.

“The SOS goal is to reach out to the community in an effort to erase the stigma of mental illness. In doing so, the department will share a wonderful experience with the community,” said CCBH interim director William Cornelius. “We are very pleased to be able to bring a performer such as Keith Bear to Colusa County,” he said.

“Keith Bear’s visit will bring cultural diversity programs to the students of Colusa County. He will also visit the Behavioral Health consumers. His May 11 evening performance is open to the public, and it will include a family barbecue dinner at the Community Building and outdoor area at the Colusa County Fairgrounds.

“This is a very exciting event for us,” said Mental Health Services Act coordinator Dereck Parks. “To be able to bring someone of Keith’s talent to our county for our annual event is something very special. Having the opportunity to have him here for the week, and to share this experience with our county’s students makes it even better,” said Parks.

CCBH Peer Support Specialist Valerie Stirling commented that the rally has always been an important event for the Department and its clients, but this year is going to be better than ever. “We really hope that the community will support this program,” she said.

Stamp out Stigma is an advocacy and educational outreach program dedicated to eradicating the stigma associated with mental illness. This is the 12th year that CCBH has hosted a local S.O.S. rally in conjunction with the national event.

For tickets or more information, contact Valerie Stirling at (530) 458-0523.

For a sample of Keith Bear’s performances, visit Keith Bear YouTube.com.

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