From one end of the leash to the other – several organizations partnered to provide food, fun, and health checks for people and their pets at the Macon Mental Health Matters (MMHM) Pop-up Gym on October 8. More than 120 people came to Bloomfield-Gilead Park (1931 Rocky Creek Road) with more than 50 people and 85 animals receiving health screenings and treatment. People enjoyed the traditional pop-up gym activities of yoga, a drum circle, mindfulness activities, and therapy consultations. The People & Pets Project examined pets and helped provide care, along with the Street Dog Coalition, Critter Fixers, and Mercer Medicine. The Melanated Community Stimulation Project provided food for people and the Pet Pantry provided provisions for pups.  

“Often times, pets are a gateway into physical and mental health for humans. People having a hard time may neglect their own physical and mental wellness while caring for their pet,” says MMHM Coordinator Andrea Cooke. “We felt like this partnership was a great way to help to people who might not normally access these services.”

The next Mental Health Pop-Up Gym is November 12 at Theron Ussery Park Community Center (815 N. Macon Park Drive). They’ll be partnering again with the People & Pets Project. For more information, and to learn more about Macon Mental Health Matters, visit their website.