May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Scott Fadness convened community leaders Monday morning to assess how the city can better guide residents to needed services.

The annual discussion, held at the Fishers Community Center, brought together city officials, Hamilton Southeastern Schools representatives, public safety leaders, mental health providers and members of the local faith community.

The Fishers Health Department outlined plans for a new program expected to launch by the end of 2026. The initiative would create a central access point at the Community Center where residents can explain their needs and receive guidance on where to seek appropriate mental health services.

Fadness said the recently opened Community Center is already playing a role in addressing social isolation, particularly among older residents — a factor that can contribute to mental health challenges.

The mayor also pointed to an emerging issue involving young children. Some child care providers are removing children with behavioral challenges, leaving working parents without care options. The proposed referral system is intended to help connect those families with appropriate services.

Fadness expressed optimism about the city’s broader mental health efforts, which began more than a decade ago.

“I think we’re in a really good spot right now in our community,” the mayor said. “I’m really proud of programmatic elements that have been done to date.”

The session concluded with an open discussion among participants, with the mayor encouraging continued collaboration to address the community’s mental health needs.