by: Jordan Carson
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD TV)-#iunderstand provides compassionate comfort to individuals and communities affected by #suicide and #mentalillness. Vonnie Woodrick, #IUnderstand CEO, began the non-profit to help eliminate the #stigma surrounding #suicide, and to continue the conversation and spark awareness.
Vonnie Woodrick created the “#iunderstand” organization after her husband lost his battle with #depression in 2003.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
“I thought death by #suicide was something a crazy person did,” Woodrick said. “But now, we know death by #suicide is a side effect of an illness, so we need to treat all #mentalhealthissues like illnesses.”
Pink Heart Day was held at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, in Grand Rapids on September 10, 2020. Community supporters along with Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, Doug Meijer, Vonnie Woodrick and many businesses came to show support, during the drive-through event, to keep the conversation going about #suicide and #mentalhealthawareness. Mayor Bliss also declared Sept. 10 as Pink Heart Day. Click the video above to watch Pink Heart Day.
There are many ways ‘#iUnderstand’ is helping and providing resources across the West Michigan community. For more information, visit the i Understand website.
Call the #SuicidePreventionHotline at 1.800.273.8255
If you’re thinking about #suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the #UnitedStates.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
