Blanton-Peale schedules October mental health events across New York City

Blanton-Peale Institute & Counseling Center will host a series of October events in New York City to mark Mental Health Awareness Month and raise funds for care, training and outreach. The lineup includes a cabaret, a luncheon panel and an awards gala featuring Emmy Award-winning anchor Jay Dow.

Why it matters: - New York City is facing a broad mental health challenge, with nearly 1 in 5 New Yorkers experiencing a mental health disorder in a given year. - Nearly 6 million adults in the city, or about 25%, report a mental health disorder annually. - More than a third of adults with a diagnosis report unmet needs because of cost, stigma, delays or lack of access. - Blanton-Peale’s events aim to connect awareness with fundraising, care and education.

What happened: - Blanton-Peale Institute & Counseling Center announced several October events across New York City for Mental Health Awareness Month. - The nearly 90-year-old mental health organization is using the events to address the city’s mental health crisis. - Emmy Award-winning TV anchor Jay Dow of PIX11 will host the Norman Vincent Peale 2026 Awards Celebration for Positive Thinking. - Blanton-Peale said the events are designed to inspire and empower wellness for New Yorkers.

The details: - Blanton-Peale was established in 1937 by Rev. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and psychiatrist Dr. Smiley Blanton. - The organization provides counseling, psychoanalytic training and a BIPOC Fellowship Program. - Blanton-Peale also focuses on culturally affirming care for Black, Indigenous, Latin, Asian and other historically marginalized communities. - Dr. Shawna Aarons-Cooke, Blanton-Peale’s president and CEO, said the organization wants to expand its legacy of healing, training and community through formal, innovative and fun events. - The first event is a Mental Health Awareness Day Cabaret on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Green Room 42 inside Yotel in Manhattan. - Tickets for the cabaret cost $19. - In My Own Little Corner Productions will present the cabaret as a fundraiser for Blanton-Peale. - The event will feature Broadway performer Chyrissie Whitehead and others performing songs and stories from In My Own Little Corner. - The cabaret will raise money and awareness for an Artists’ Mental Health Fund. - The second event is Teal Day Luncheon: Courageous Conversations in Healing on Thursday, Oct. 22, from noon to 3 p.m. at SECOND NYC in Manhattan. - Tickets for the luncheon cost $55. - The luncheon will be Blanton-Peale’s first conference and luncheon. - Dr. Shawna Aarons-Cooke will moderate a panel on healing and managing life, aging, happiness amid chaos, holistic wellness and navigating technology and digital spaces. - Panelists include Marcelo Gomes, Jim Wisecup, Chryssie Whitehead, Camille Banks Lee, Steve Sandage and Tim Grae. - The Norman Vincent Peale 2026 Awards Celebration for Positive Thinking will follow on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at SECOND NYC. - Individual tickets start at $395, and sponsorships range from $2,500 to $50,000. - The awards gala will honor Dr. Michael Bos and Dr. Micah McCreary for their commitment to Blanton-Peale’s mission. - The evening will include a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live entertainment by the Rakiem Walker Band and the honoree presentation.

Between the lines: - Blanton-Peale is pairing arts, public conversation and fundraising to reach different audiences around mental health. - The lineup suggests the organization is emphasizing both care access and community visibility, not just one-time fundraising. - The focus on holistic wellness and marginalized communities reflects a broader push in mental health care toward culturally responsive services.

What's next: - Blanton-Peale will move ahead with the October events in Manhattan. - The cabaret and luncheon are set to support awareness and raise funds ahead of the awards celebration. - The organization is also using the month to build support for its counseling, training and fellowship programs.

The bottom line: - Blanton-Peale is turning Mental Health Awareness Month into a citywide public push for access, healing and support.