May is Mental Health Awareness month, a time to recognize the challenges faced by many of our friends, family and neighbors. As spring brings sunshine and colorful blooms across MidSouth Electric Cooperative’s territory, many in our community are still searching for a way out of darkness and despair.
Helping to shed some light in these dark places is Anchored in Unity, an annual event serving MidSouth EC territory. Mental health resources from across Montgomery County and surrounding areas are brought together in one location—offering space for open dialogue, free education and connection with services.
At the heart of this event is Echo Hutson, Montgomery County Court at Law No. 4 judge, whose work from the bench has given her an enlightened perspective on the need for accessible resources within the treatment space. In addition to misdemeanor criminal cases, she also presides over mental health and domestic violence courts.
While collaborating with mental health professionals, she says she began to realize the right services could prevent many people from entering the criminal justice system.
“When somebody goes through a crisis, or they are dealing with someone in crisis, they often don’t know who to call or what to do,” Hutson says.
That gap in awareness and access to care can be dangerously long. On average, it takes nearly 10 years for someone experiencing psychological issues to receive help. By the time help is received, individuals may already be facing crisis situations, substance use or involvement with law enforcement.
The idea for Anchored in Unity came during Hutson’s time with Leadership Montgomery County, when she learned of Mosaics, a local nonprofit that helps families navigate mental health and addiction recovery resources. The nonprofit was seeking help with hosting a mental health awareness event in May.
What began as a simple concept has grown into a collaborative effort among more than 50 organizations providing an extensive list of services, including counseling, art therapy, crisis intervention, horse therapy, mental health and homelessness services, and youth camps. The event is free for attendees and organizations, backing its mission to make resources and support accessible to all.
“People often feel stuck when seeking treatment for mental illness,” Hutson says. “We really want them to feel like this community cares.”
That sense of care is visible throughout the event. Attendees can speak directly with professionals, learn what happens during a mental health emergency call from first responders, explore therapy options and connect with organizations specializing in areas like autism, addiction recovery and veteran support.
One of the most meaningful traditions of the event is the Wall of Unity. Each person receives an anchor to hang in honor of someone they know affected by mental illness. The wall display provides time for reflection and gives a strong visual reminder that no one is alone in their struggle.
“I don’t believe people are their diagnosis,” Hutson says. Instead, she encourages those directed to mental health courts to see themselves as capable of change.
She shares with each person, “An irritating grain of sand can seriously harm or kill an oyster. Instead of succumbing to the threat, oysters use their own bodies and materials to surround the dangerous sand until it becomes a pearl—a precious gem the rest of the world values. Similarly, if someone with mental health concerns surrounds themselves with the right help, they can take what could harm them and turn it into something precious, healthy and beautiful—something the rest of the world needs.”
Hutson’s efforts extend statewide through the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, where she works with other leaders to improve government-related systems. Still, she says meaningful change begins at the local level—with people showing up for one another.
Hutson reports that case outcomes improve when struggling individuals feel like they’re part of a caring community.
“Montgomery County is uniquely positioned to do just that,” Hutson says. “I don’t think we’ve lost that small-town feel—this is a very welcoming community.”
Her message to the public is simple: come, learn and get involved. Whether you’re seeking help, supporting a loved one or looking to give back, Anchored in Unity offers a place to start. Because when one person struggles, it affects us all. And when a community comes together, healing that lasts becomes possible.
