May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Throughout the month, various organizations will work to provide support, advocate for mental health policies that prioritize mental well-being, eliminate stigma, and promote public education about mental illness.
Team Hope, Together With Veterans Greene (TWV Greene), and Greene County Mental Health Program are teaming together to light the way for mental health for our community and veterans. During May, Greene County landmarks, businesses, and homes will light up green to raise awareness and show support for mental health. Why green? Green is to shine the light on mental health for the community and veterans.
Last year, System of Care Coordinator Melanie Trauth from the Greene County Mental Health Program brought the idea of a green light campaign back to the System of Care Partnership to discuss. After deciding it was a great idea, they started the campaign to address stigma in Greene County and to bring awareness to mental health and wellness. After hearing about the green light campaign last year, Chris Clark of TWV Greene reached out with an offer of partnership and this year’s light up campaign was formed.
“We are asking the public to join the campaign, to help spread awareness and support. Mental Health is part of everyone’s health and it’s important to take care of your whole self. We want to shine a light on the stigma, let people know we care, and that help is available to anyone in need,” says Greene County Mental Health Administrator Brean Fuller.
“Raising awareness is the goal of the campaign. We’d love to see businesses and local organizations get on board and turn their buildings and facilities green throughout May,” says TWV Greene’s Chris Clark.
It’s not just TWV Greene, Team Hope, and Greene County Mental Health Program making this campaign happen—businesses and organizations from all over the county are banding together in support. VFW Post 4793 (Waynesburg), American Legion Post 400 (Carmichaels), and American Legion District 25 donated funds to purchase green LED light bulbs. Those organizations will also put green lights outside the post during May and serve as distribution points (starting mid-April) for green light bulbs. Waynesburg Electric Supply Inc. has sourced over 400 bulbs for the campaign.
The partnership is looking to add additional distribution points throughout the county. Chris is visiting multiple veteran organizations throughout April, asking them to turn their posts green and distribute bulbs.
They are also accepting donations for the campaign at distribution points throughout the county. If you would like to donate to the campaign, donate to the Community Foundation of Greene County and note “TWV Green Light Campaign” at the time of their donation. Any donations collected at the light distribution points around the county go to Team Hope and fund the vital work they do in bringing awareness to the issue of suicide.
Team Hope was formed by members of the Mental Health Program staff and three parents who lost their sons to suicide and wanted to raise awareness in Greene County. They are very involved in the community, especially with helping teenagers and young adults. You can often find Team Hope at Waynesburg University and local high school sporting events.
Together With Veterans Greene (TWV Greene) focuses on providing education and resources about suicide prevention and awareness to veterans, families, and care providers in our rural area. It’s composed of veterans, family members, veteran advocates, providers, business owners, etc. “We want to promote the connection between veterans and the services they can call upon if needed,” says Chris.
To promote that connection, TWV often holds events. Their most successful and enduring event is Coffee With Veterans. Coffee With Veterans provides a place for veterans to meet monthly, share stories and news, and connect with other veterans. It is held the second Saturday of every month from 8am to 10am, and the location changes as local businesses, veteran organizations, and churches graciously host the event. There are no mental health lectures at these events, but the information is there. There are usually members with mental health care experience and clergy present as well.
“The partnership with Team Hope and Greene County’s Mental Health Program was a logical move for us,” says Chris. “Team Hope brings a similar message to adolescents, young adults, families, educators, and community members. Greene County Mental Health serves as a good tether for our organizations, providing guidance and resources available through the county to address mental health issues and suicide awareness.”
There will be additional events during May to raise awareness. The Greene County Mental Health Program will host the 16th Annual Community Supports Program Wellness Conference at the Lion’s Club Park on May 1 from 10:30am to 3:00pm. On May 30, they will host the 10th Annual Greene County Children’s Mental Health Awareness picnic from 3-6pm at the Lion’s Club Park. New this year, they will also host the first of four Crisis Intervention Team Trainings for First Responders from May 13 to 17.
“Keep your eye on us. September is Suicide Prevention Month. Don’t be surprised to see another campaign between TWV Greene, Team HOPE, and Greene County Human Services in August,” says Chris. “[And] we’re always looking for new team members and partners in our efforts to bring awareness, education, and prevention to this issue.”
Participants are also encouraged to use their green lights again in November to show support for veterans throughout that month.
If businesses want to turn their facilities green in May, contact info@twvgreene.org. For more information, contact System of Care Coordinator Melanie Trauth of Mental Health Program of the Greene County Human Services. You can reach her by calling 724-852-5276 x509, emailing metrauth@co.greene.pa.us or visiting the third floor of the Fort Jackson building in Waynesburg.
If you or someone you know needs help, there is a crisis line that answers 24/7 for the county; call 1-800-417-9460. To reach the Veteran’s Crisis Line, dial 988 and press 1.
