Join Us for Boone County Schools’ Vital Mental Health Awareness Event: Empowering Our Community Together!

Mental Health Awareness in Boone County

Recently, Boone County School District hosted an event focused on mental health awareness. This gathering aimed to support the community as it comes to terms with a troubling series of events, including multiple suicides among students.

Held at Crossroads Church and organized by Dan Barnhill, the Band Director at Boone County High School, the event was a heartfelt attempt to unify the community through music. Barnhill emphasized the need to offer support and resources to both teens and their parents. “We’ve been dealing with a lot recently,” he shared, highlighting the importance of open conversations about mental health.

According to the Boone County coroner, five young lives were lost to suicide within the district since November 2024. This stark statistic underscores the urgent need for dialogue about mental health. Barnhill pointedly asked, “What do we do when we recognize someone is struggling?”

To address this, mental health professionals were present, including Debbie Zegarra, founder of Ethan’s Purpose. Zegarra’s journey began after the loss of her son to suicide six and a half years ago. “Back then, mental health wasn’t openly discussed,” she reflected. Events like this help keep memories alive while offering hope and support to those still here.

Keynote speaker Brandon Saho, founder of “The Mental Game,” shared his own battle with depression. “Don’t hesitate to ask for help,” he urged the crowd, emphasizing that vulnerability can save lives. “Connecting through our stories is crucial,” he added, illustrating how sharing can lead to healing.

In the U.S., suicide rates among young people have risen significantly, with the CDC reporting a nearly 60% increase between 2007 and 2018. Such data calls for more initiatives focusing on mental health education and support.

If you or someone you know is struggling, resources are available—simply call or text 988 for a compassionate counselor.

By fostering open communication and providing support, Boone County is taking positive steps toward healing and raising awareness about mental health.

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