Green Level High School Football Team Champions Mental Health Awareness for Second Consecutive Year

On Friday night, Green Level High School will face off against Panther Creek High School in a much-anticipated football rivalry. But this time, the spotlight isn’t just on the game.

This event is the second annual Mental Health Awareness Football Game, initiated by the Green Level football team captains. Their goal? To challenge the stigma around mental health and encourage open discussions.

Jackson Evans, a senior linebacker, shared, “If one person can be helped by this, it’s worth it.” He was inspired to continue this initiative after his former teammate, Austin Conway, graduated. “He did a lot on his own and really left an impact,” Evans noted.

To amplify their message, Evans and his team are collaborating with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wake County, a leading organization focused on mental health support. NAMI serves as a vital resource, offering free programs for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Hamilton Roberts, the Dean of Students at Green Level, emphasizes the importance of this movement. “We don’t want students suffering in silence. That’s what Jackson and the team have really fostered with this event,” she said.

Roberts, who also serves as the lead counselor, observes the pressures students face daily. “In today’s world, influenced by social media and academic stress, mental health struggles are on the rise,” she added.

As part of the event, Evans and his teammates created distinctive black and white T-shirts for fans to wear. These shirts were displayed during the school’s pep rally, symbolizing solidarity and awareness. “The shirt opens a door for conversation,” Roberts remarked.

Research reveals that mental health issues among teens are growing. A recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 young people experience some form of mental health disorder. Awareness events, like this football game, play a critical role in reducing stigma and encouraging support.

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact the NAMI Wake County hotline at 919-848-4490 or text “NAMI” to 741741 for confidential help 24/7. More resources are available at www.nami.org.

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