BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and local art group Creative Crossing team up to transform parts of the Oleander neighborhood into chalk masterpieces for Mental Health Awareness Month.

“The current COVID-19 outbreak and stay home order has increased the need to raise awareness for mental health and those facing a diagnosis,” said Christina Rajlal, the Mental Health Services Act coordinator for KernBHRS. “One of our main goals is to end the stigma associated with mental health. It’s important to know it’s OK to feel anxiety, stress or whatever else they’re feeling, and that there are resources available.”

The artists will design and create 16 separate chalk murals, each focused on mental health issues in both English and Spanish on May 7.

On May 8-10, get ready to participate in a scavenger hunt. Load the family in the car or explore Oleander on foot to see how many pieces you can find.

Please follow all social distancing recommendations.

Creative Crossing, founded by Bakersfield residents Kei Deragon and Sarah Nobles, is a collective of local artists dedicated to painting murals in the alleyways of the Oleander community.

Check here for more information.