Sadly, one in five youth suffer from mental health problems but only 20 percent of those youth receive the help they need. In recent years, a movement has been gathering steam in Central Illinois. Let's not allow our young people to suffer needlessly from undetected, untreated mental health problems that can lead to severe emotional disturbance, substance abuse and dependence, and suicide. Recovery is not only possible, but also probable, if kids get the help they need early on.
Founded by the family and friends of Whitney Grotts, following her death by suicide in 2004, Whitney's Walk For Life was created to increase the awareness about the tragedy of teen suicide. Working with local survivors, schools and mental health advocates, Whitney's Walk For Life takes proactive steps for increasing depression awareness and suicide prevention programs in the Central Illinois area.
Please join us on July 31, 2010 for the 7th Annual Whitney's Walk For Life at Jubilee College State Park in Brimfield, Illinois. Your support helps our agency provide funding for our programs including:
- QPR Suicide Prevention Skills Training-Skills Training for Gatekeepers
- Signs of Suicide (S.O.S)-Suicide Prevention Skills Training for Youth
- Columbia University TeenScreen Program-Computerized Screening and Linkage Case Management, Developed by Columbia University
Our community has come together in order to better understand the most effective way to reduce the incidence of suicide. Since Whitney's Walk For Life began in 2004, over $300,000 has been raised for depression awareness and suicide prevention efforts. Numerous community organizations, local school districts, as well as thousands of individuals who have walked, donated or sponsored these efforts.
We have come to understand that prevention efforts must be comprehensive, ranging from broadly promoting toll-free hotlines and helpful Web sites to providing targeted community-based education and skills training programs for educators, students, parents, law enforcement, clergy and so many others. Voluntary screening programs, such as the Columbia University TeenScreen, can provide a useful way for parents and their children to join together to get help for their families.
Please support Whitney's Walk For Life and our efforts to reduce the incidence of teen suicide with a donation.*
Make your check payable to Whitney's Walk For Life and send to:
Whitney's Walk For Life
c/o MHAIV
5407 N. University St.
Peoria, IL 61614
For more information, call us at 309-692-1766, or visit www.whitneyswalk.com.
*10% of proceeds will be given to the Whitney Grotts Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, and the remaining 90% will be utilized for depression awareness and suicide prevention programs in Central Illinois, including preparation and implementation of the next year's Whitney's Walk For Life.
