News Summary
The event ‘Unmasked’ in James City County aims to address youth mental health and suicide prevention through open discussions. Organized by the Lambda Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, in collaboration with local health services, the free event encourages families with children aged 10-18 to participate and engage in critical conversations. Experts will share vital information and statistics on mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in combating stigma and supporting youth within the community.
James City, VA – A community event titled “Unmasked,” focused on the crucial issues of youth mental health and suicide prevention, is set to take place on September 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the James City County Recreation Center. This initiative is organized by the Lambda Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority as part of National Suicide Prevention Month.
This event is a collaborative effort with Colonial Behavioral Health Wellness, Support and Recovery Services, and Bacon Street Youth and Family Services. Families with children aged 10 to 18 are encouraged to attend together, and participation is free.
The primary aim of “Unmasked” is to foster open discussions surrounding mental health among youth. Jade Ranger, a member of the sorority and co-owner of The Prescription Shoppe, pointed out the necessity of timely conversations to better understand and address children’s mental health challenges. Many families discover their loved ones’ struggles only after a tragic event, underscoring the need for dialogue.
At the event, Fallon Dodson, an assistant professor at Hampton University, will share vital information regarding mental health and suicide statistics affecting young individuals in the Hampton Roads area and across Virginia. A teen panel will address common challenges faced by students, such as academic pressures and the impact of social media on mental health.
Additionally, breakout sessions will be available, offering youth and their parents or caregivers the opportunity to engage in private discussions with licensed healthcare providers. Kim Dellinger, executive director of Bacon Street Youth and Family Services, emphasized the significance of increasing awareness and minimizing the stigma associated with mental health issues.
Statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health indicate that as of May 2023, suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 14 and 15 to 24. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified this issue, contributing to a rise in youth suicide rates. In the first ten months following the pandemic’s onset, 5,568 deaths by suicide occurred in this age group.
To combat these alarming trends, educating the community and fostering open discussions about mental health have proven to be effective methods. Some members of the organizing sorority chapter have personal ties to suicide, which adds a layer of commitment to this event’s mission.
Ranger articulated the importance of minimizing the stigma surrounding suicide by advocating for proactive conversations rather than facing the regret of missed chances for intervention. The event seeks to reassure youth and families that they are not alone in dealing with mental health challenges, particularly stressing the emphasis on Black and brown communities where such discussions are often considered taboo.
Dellinger hopes that attendees will leave feeling supported and more comfortable addressing mental health matters, particularly in relation to the children they care for. The event aims to create a safe space for families to engage in these critical conversations.
Resources for immediate support will also be highlighted during this event, including the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 and the Crisis Text Line at 741741. For more information pertaining to “Unmasked,” individuals can reach out via email at [email protected].
The “Unmasked” event represents a significant step towards increasing mental health awareness and providing necessary resources for families in the community. By bringing these issues to light, the organizers hope to facilitate understanding, empathy, and support among the youth and their families.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Williamsburg Area Event on Youth Mental Health
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- Fredericksburg Free Press: Youth Mental Health Task Force
- Google Search: Youth Mental Health
- WY Daily: Oak Counseling Anniversary
- Google Scholar: Youth Mental Health
- News4Jax: Youth Mental Health Challenges
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Youth Mental Health
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
