The 5th Annual Bringing Light into Darkness event in Winona features The Johnny Holm Band, community speakers, and wellness resources to support mental health awareness. 

Winona, Minn. – Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC), in partnership with Winona County Health & Human Services and the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund, will host the 5th Annual Bringing Light into Darkness event on Thursday, September 11, 2025. This free community gathering shines a light on mental health, suicide awareness, and overdose prevention—honoring those who continue to struggle and the families who have lost loved ones. Through help, connection, and community, attendees are reminded that the darkness created by mental health struggles can be overcome—truly bringing light into darkness. The evening culminates with a live performance by The Johnny Holm Band, bringing energy and celebration to the gathering. 

Mental health and substance use challenges remain a serious concern across Minnesota. In 2024, 813 Minnesotans died by suicide, and provisional state data indicate more than 900 lives were lost to drug overdoses. Behind each number is a story of heartbreak, resilience, and a community seeking ways to heal. 

“Bringing Light into Darkness isn’t just an event—it’s a reminder that healing happens in community,” says Erik Sievers, HVMHC Executive Director. “Each year, neighbors and families come together to share stories, connect with resources, and renew hope. By talking openly about these struggles, we break down stigma and create the space for recovery. This event demonstrates the profound impact collective connection has on individuals and our broader community.” 

The event also reflects HVMHC’s longstanding mission as a community leader in delivering exceptional, responsive, and consumer-focused behavioral health services. Giving back and strengthening the community is woven into the very fabric of HVMHC, which has served southeastern Minnesota since 1965 with innovative, accessible, and compassionate care. 

Event Details 

  • Thursday, September 11, 2025. 
  • At HVMHC’s Winona Clinic – 420 East Sarnia Street. 
  • Resource Fair (4:30–7:00 p.m.): More than 25 community resources represented. 
  • HVMHC 60th Anniversary Celebration & Expressions Capstone (4:30–9:00 p.m., Garden Room): Celebrate HVMHC’s 60 years of service, remember lost loved ones with the Memory Wall, learn about success stories, and view the unveiling of Through Reflections We See Ourselves—the capstone of a summer-long creative reflection program. Led by Mental Health Practitioner and Art Educator Andy Kranz, participants explored sketching, journaling, and museum visits in the Twin Cities, culminating in this collective artwork that reflects personal growth, self-expression, and shared experiences. Funded by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council and the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund, the project exemplifies the healing power of creativity and community connection. 
  • Community Speakers (6:30–7:15 p.m., Main Tent): 
  • Erik Sievers – reflections on connection and healing 
  • Dwayne Voegeli and WSHS students – launching the HOPE Squad peer support team 
  • Laura Sutherland – insights from her own journey with invisible trauma 
  • Live Music (7:30–9:30 p.m.): The Johnny Holm Band invites attendees to dance and celebrate in a genre-crossing set, completely free of charge. 
  • Kids’ Zone (4:30–7:00 p.m.): Inflatables, a tractor-drawn barrel train, basketball, and the Boom Station. 
  • Food Trucks (4:30–9:30 p.m.): Backwater BBQ and Chef’s Table (self-pay). 
  • Free City Transit (6:00–10:30 p.m.): Extended bus service with stops at Winona Transit’s Central Bus Station, Winona Mall, Lake Winona Manor, and Saint Anne of Winona. Final pickup at 10:00 p.m. 

For full details and updates, visit:
👉 https://www.hvmhc.org/bringing-light-into-darkness-2025/ 

About Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center
Founded in 1965, Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) provides comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals and families across Southeastern Minnesota. The organization is committed to delivering compassionate, person-centered care and fostering wellness in every community it serves. 

For more information about HVMHC’s services, visit www.hvmhc.org. To schedule an appointment, individuals can call 1-800-657-6777 or visit www.hvmhc.org/contact/make-an-appointment. 

HVMHC also oversees the Mobile Crisis Unit, available 24 hours a day in Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona Counties. Assistance can be reached by calling 1-844-CRISIS2 (1-844-274-7472).