ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Ithaca Beer Company and The Sophie Fund are coming together during May, Mental Health Awareness Month, to highlight resources in Tompkins County.

Ithaca Beer Company will give customers a resource card throughout the duration of the month, naming local providers for psychotherapy, psychiatry, addiction counseling, support groups, peer counseling, and sexual violence support. On the other side of the card is a 5 Simple Steps plan, a safety plan aimed at helping to prevent mental health challenges from escalating.

“Mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall health, and is too often ignored, under supported, and stigmatized,” said Jess Mitchell, Ithaca Beer Co. Director of Operations. “We welcome hundreds of visitors monthly, giving us the platform to reach our community widely. We are committed to doing our part to connect people with the resources they need.”

Ithaca Beer will also be hosting informational mental health presentations by the Finger Lakes chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service of Tompkins County.

“Stigma remains an obstacle that prevents many people who are struggling from acknowledging they need help or actually reaching out to loved ones or professionals for support,” said Scott MacLeod, co-founder of The Sophie Fund. “When a high-profile company like Ithaca Beer steps up to actively help normalize talking about mental health, it makes all the difference. Nobody should suffer in silence when help is available.”

Find more information on The Sophie Fund website here and the Ithaca Beer Company website here.