LAUDERHILL, Fla. – “There is Only One You,” and the importance of #mentalhealth wellness and #suicideprevention, was the message conveyed at the 4th Annual OCP2 Wellness Day for youth, families, and community providers May 11 in recognition of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth.
The event was hosted by United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention, Broward Behavioral Health Coalition and Broward County’s One Community Partnership 2 (OCP2).
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
Highlights included free #mentalhealthresources, a Massage Station, arts & crafts, poetry/lyrical expression, a photo booth and more.
During the event, keynote speaker Arleen Abreu, shared the message about her 19-year-old son Ryan Abreu who took his own life in August of 2016. She discussed #suicide warning signs and offered hope for those who work to prevent #depression and #suicide, especially in young adults.
iHeartRadio’s 103.5 The Beat Radio Personality Papa Keith also was in attendance to hold a Meet and Greet with Broward County families and share a personal message about the importance of #mentalhealthwellness.
In addition, the “Wellness Champions Award Recognition” ceremony recognized young people, families and community members who make a difference through their work and advocacy for #mentalwellness.
Award winners included:
*Provider Partner of the Year: South Florida Wellness Network *Provider Partner of the Year: Gulf Coast Jewish Services *Youth Advocate: Taylor Blanco *Family Advocate: Alfonso Ruiz *Support Staff: Robert Lall *Tip Star: Timothy Andrews
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
