CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — It’s time to paint the town green for Mental Health Awareness Month. The Reach4Hope Suicide Prevention Coalition invites everyone to join in raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention and learning more about available resources in the community.
Reach4Hope community outreach efforts, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Reach4Hope Utah, St. George News
“This is something we can do together,” Reach4Hope coordinator Broden Lund said. “It’s a chance to let family, friends, neighbors, classmates, coworkers and the whole community know that we support them and that they’re not alone. There’s always hope.”
Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to prioritizing well-being and promoting open conversations about mental health. Throughout May, Reach4Hope will be organizing various events and initiatives to raise awareness, promote connection, encourage self-care and connect people in the community with essential resources.
The green ribbon is the international symbol of mental health awareness. Join Reach4Hope in a vibrant display of solidarity by using green all month long to symbolize the greater St. George community’s commitment to mental health and suicide prevention.
Look around for Reach4Hope’s message through green lights, posters in business windows, electronic signs and green ribbons at schools and in neighborhoods. “Be seen in green” to support the cause by adding a splash of green to your clothing, hats, jewelry, nails or hair.
Another way to get involved is by downloading the Goosechase app and joining Reach4Hope’s 31 Days of Mental Health, where you can participate in daily activities that promote well-being. From spending time outside to sharing things you’re grateful for, you’ll earn points each time you complete an activity. Points can be redeemed at the end of the month for a chance to win prizes from local partners like Fiesta Fun, House of Jump and The RinQ.
Click to enlarge | Promotional image courtesy of Reach4Hope Utah, St. George News
Don’t forget to visit the Reach4Hope booth at upcoming community events. Reach4Hope will be attending the Downtown Farmers Market in Ancestor Square on Saturday, May 11, and the Rollin’ in the Red Rocks car show at the Dixie Convention Center on Saturday, May 18. Stop by for information about local mental health resources, swag items and a chance to win raffle prizes.
Reach4Hope is also offering QPR training sessions on Monday, May 13, at Utah Tech University as well as Tuesday, May 14, and Friday, May 24, at St. George Regional Hospital. “Question. Persuade. Refer.” are three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide, and knowing the warning signs saves lives. Sessions are open to the community free of charge; no registration is required.
On Tuesday, May 28, join Reach4Hope at Encircle St. George for an opportunity to learn from local mental health professionals in an open and relaxed setting. Ask questions, share ideas and help break the stigma.
Help is always available on the Reach4Hope website. Whether you’re searching for crisis services, support groups aimed at high-risk demographics like veterans and the LGBTQ+ community or comfort after a loss, you can find the information you need and get in touch with caring professionals.
Reach4Hope community outreach efforts, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Reach4Hope Utah, St. George News
“More than anything, it’s a hub for resources,” Lund said, “whether that’s national resources, other websites or local support with addresses and phone numbers.”
Reach4Hope recognizes the importance of mental health and its impact on every individual’s personal and professional life. Dealing with life’s pressures can be overwhelming, and everyone deserves to feel supported and empowered to seek help when needed.
The coalition was established in 2012 with the mission of engaging community partners to identify and reduce suicide risk factors, raise awareness about mental health and implement research-based strategies that help prevent suicide. Their vision is to build a caring community that reaches out to provide compassion, support and hope for a future free of suicide.
“We want people to know that there’s always hope. That’s why we’re here,” Lund said. “Either you can reach out to bring someone else hope, or you can reach out yourself and find that hope for you.”
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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