The Changing Minds drug and alcohol addiction awareness campaign, developed by the Health District and the Mental Health and Substance Use Alliance of Larimer County, is part of the new Mental Health: Mind Matters traveling exhibit at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.

The interactive exhibit runs from October 3 through January 10, 2021. It was produced by theScience Museum of Minnesota and Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre, with help from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

“The purpose of the exhibit is to build empathy and understanding for those who are experiencing mental health challenges, and to destigmatize mental illness,” says Cheryl Donaldson Moses, co-executive director, city partner, for the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery.

Designed for all ages, the exhibit includes engaging games and experiences, recorded testimonials, panel discussions, and a resource center. Larimer County Behavioral Health Services is the exhibit’s presenting sponsor, and additional sponsors include the City of Fort Collins, Bohemian Foundation, Water Pik, Inc., and the Hach Center for Regional Engagement.

The Health District’s participation in the exhibit makes perfect sense, says Brian Ferrans, manager of behavioral health strategy and implementation for the Community Impact Team.

“Our Changing Minds campaign focuses on increasing people’s understanding of how addiction works and impacts our community, and reducing the negative stigma that is attached to the disease,” Ferrans explains. “The goals of this exhibit are parallel to Changing Minds’ mission of creating a culture that recognizes mental health struggles as a completely normal part of life and that accessing care should have zero shame attached to it.”

Entry to the museum is free for the duration of the exhibit, but reservations are required. For program schedule, reservations, and the latest information on museum hours and safety guidelines, go to fcmod.org/mindmatters or call 970-221-6738.