Join Local Events and the National Theme: More Good Days Together
This May, Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness invites residents, businesses, organizations, and community partners to recognize Mental Health Month by participating in the annual Light Up Green campaign and joining efforts to create More Good Days Together — the 2026 national theme for Mental Health Month.
Throughout the month of May, landmarks, buildings, homes, and businesses across Santa Barbara County will shine green — the official color of mental health awareness — as a visible reminder that hope, healing, and support are possible, and that no one must face mental health challenges alone. This year, more than 150 locations throughout Santa Barbara County are participating in the campaign, demonstrating countywide support for mental wellness.
Among the many new participating locations this year are Cottage Health, Dignity Health – Marian Regional Medical Center, CenCal Health, and Paseo Nuevo. Returning participants include the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Santa Barbara Airport, Direct Relief, and many more community landmarks and organizations. To see a full list of local buildings lighting up, click here.
Mental health is strengthened through connection, compassion, and community. By coming together to support one another, Santa Barbara County can help create more good days for everyone.
Ways to Participate in Light Up Green
Light Up Green: Illuminate your building, home, office, or outdoor space in green throughout May.
Take the Tour: Visit participating locations throughout Santa Barbara County and view the full local list as part of the national campaign here.
Share Your Photos: Share photos of green-lit buildings! Tag #LightUpGreenSBC on social media and/or email photos to Suzanne Grimmesey at suzkirk@sbcbwell.org to be featured on our social media and community highlights.
Spread Awareness: Encourage conversations about mental health and share resources with friends, family, and coworkers.
Practice Connection: Reach out to someone, check in on a loved one, or participate in a community wellness event.
Community Events During Mental Health Month
Community members are encouraged to attend local events taking place throughout May, including:
May 1 – Ribbon Cutting and Open House of the new Child and Family Behavioral Wellness Service Center, 1-2 p.m., 315 W Haley St, Santa Barbara
May 2 – Cottage Health Mental Health Fair
May 4 – May is Mental Health Month Open House, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m., Behavioral Wellness Conference Room, 429 N San Antonio Rd, Santa Barbara
May 5 – Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Month
May 6 – SBCC “Combating the Stigma of Mental Health” Event
May 8 – Sanctuary Centers Mental Health Awareness Month Art Show
May 8 – May is Mental Health Month Open House, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Behavioral Wellness Adult Conference Room, 500 W Foster Rd, Santa Maria
May 15 – May is Mental Health Month Open House, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Behavioral Wellness Adult Conference Room, 425 W Central Ave, Lompoc
May 31 – Mental Wellness Center Peace of Mind Walk (registration fee)
Additional events and activities will take place countywide throughout the month.
Need Support? You Are Not Alone.
Help is available 24/7. If you or someone you know needs support, contact the Behavioral Wellness Access Line at (888) 868-1649.
To learn more about the County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, visit: http://countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness.