Founded in collaboration with Halifax Health in 2018, our initiative addresses the urgent mental health crisis, a challenge that became even more severe during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our mission spans across all ages and professions, from school children to the elderly, from military personnel to the entertainment industry.
Why does this matter to you? Because mental health issues impact us all, sometimes with devastating consequences. Tragically, even children as young as six have been lost to suicide. This heartbreaking reality underscores the importance of our work.
We’ve chosen a unique way to spread our message—through the high-energy world of professional racing, specifically NASCAR. This thrilling sport provides a powerful platform to reach millions through TV and social media. As we work towards becoming a nationally trademarked organization, NASCAR's reach helps keep our message strong and consistent.
Though we aren’t mental health professionals, our mission stands on three vital pillars:
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Awareness: Normalizing mental health conversations so everyone feels safe to talk about their struggles.
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Education: Teaching the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and how to check in on those at risk.
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Resources: Connecting individuals to the support and services they need.
Did you know there's a new 3-digit mental health emergency number? Launched on July 16, 2022, the 988 hotline connects callers with trained mental health professionals for immediate help. During the launch weekend, our social media efforts generated nearly 40,000 interactions!
We’re using NASCAR and other platforms to amplify our voice. Our spokesperson, Daniel, is passionately spreading the message, speaking to middle schools, veterans groups, Boys and Girls Clubs, and more. He’s featured on TV, radio, and social media, delivering powerful PSAs about mental health.
Excitingly, Daytona State College Foundation produced a five-episode TV series titled The Race to Stop Suicide, with Daniel as the lead spokesperson. This series reached an astounding 6.3 million households! Stay tuned for the next season.
Our race partners share our passion for this cause. One of our partners, for instance, operates 154 eighteen-wheelers, and more than 80% of them proudly display the Race to Stop Suicide message and the 988 emergency number as they travel the East Coast.
Join us in the Race to Stop Suicide. Together, we can make mental health a priority and save lives.