Rep. Case joins dozens in raising mental health needs awareness

TORRINGTON – More than 50 people walked over a mile on Wednesday, raising awareness for mental health needs in the Litchfield Hills. Among the large group was state Rep. Jay Case (R-63), a longtime mental health advocate and member of the legislature’s Human Services Committee.

Rep. Case, who also serves on the board of directors for the Prime Time House, Inc., was pleased to see the large turnout with hopes to have a lasting impact on the surrounding communities.

“Even though this event was held in Torrington, which is home to Prime Time and so many opportunities for people with mental and intellectual disabilities, I hope its message spreads to surrounding towns and throughout the state,” Rep. Case said. “We need to make sure individuals with mental illness have the same opportunities as the rest of the population. They need access to the same services as everyone else. They need the support of the surrounding community, just like anyone else trying to make a living. Walk Towards Recovery was the first step to that goal.”

The walk, which began at the Prime Time Club House, ended at Torrington City Hall as part of National Mental Health Awareness Week – running from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12. Attendees then returned to the Club House, where members shared their stories.

Walk Towards Recovery was celebrated by numerous Connecticut mental health and addiction services throughout the western portion of the state.