In an effort to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, the Four Rivers Counseling Scholarship Fund has teamed up with the Bengal Touchdown Club to host “Stronger Together,” a Suicide Awareness event during Suicide Prevention Month.
The event will be held during the Bassett High School football game against William Byrd on Sept. 19. Organizers say it is designed for students, families, the Bengal community and beyond to show support for mental health awareness and suicide prevention — and as a reminder that the community is stronger together.
The program will honor those struggling with mental health challenges and those who have died by suicide.
All BHS and William Byrd football players, BHS varsity cheerleaders and their camp participants, select Beta and CHILL members, BHS coaching staff and administrators, the Bengal Touchdown Club, and Four Rivers Counseling Scholarship Board members will take leading roles during the event in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month.
Tony Davis of Luna Moth Tattoo designed the “Stronger Together” logo at no cost to highlight the value of community strength in raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
The event is being organized and fundraised by Jenny Yates, who has lost two family members to suicide over the past two years.
“I’m still unpacking my grief a little more every day,” Yates said.
She added that community collaborations can create hope. At home and in the community, she said, positive conversations can reduce the isolation people feel during mental health struggles.
Being willing to say something to family, friends or neighbors who may be struggling, or simply checking in on them, are simple but powerful ways to reduce isolation and help others feel seen and heard, Yates said.
“These small conversations can lead to a deeper sense of trust and safety, feeling less alone, and promote healing in our community,” she said. “Sometimes small words of kindness and caring actions have a big impact on someone’s mental health and well-being, and can help those we care about through extremely difficult times, often without us knowing.”
The event also helps raise funds for the Four Rivers Counseling Scholarship Fund, which removes economic barriers by covering expensive copays for eligible clients throughout the community, regardless of their mental health provider.
