Missouri state Rep. Betsy Fogle will receive NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Southwest Missouri’s Mental Health Advocate of the Year Award during the Neon Night Suicide Prevention Run at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park in Springfield on Sept. 12, according to a community announcement. The recognition honors Fogle’s advocacy on mental health, suicide prevention, substance use services and support for individuals and families across southwest Missouri.
NAMI Southwest Missouri Executive Director Stephanie Robinson said that the organization selected Fogle because of a record of engaging with mental health organizations and advocating for community needs.
“Representative Fogle understands that mental health advocacy has to go beyond conversation.
It requires listening, showing up and taking action,” Robinson said in the announcement.
The award is scheduled to be presented at 7:40 p.m. during the annual event at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park.
Robinson said that Fogle has demonstrated a commitment to keeping mental health and substance use issues part of broader community discussions.
“Whether advocating for resources, supporting community organizations or helping elevate mental health as a priority, Representative Fogle has demonstrated what it means to turn advocacy into action,” Robinson said in the announcement. “On a night dedicated to suicide prevention, we can think of no more meaningful time to recognize that commitment.”
Event focuses on suicide prevention awareness
The Neon Night Suicide Prevention Run is designed to bring community members together to raise awareness about suicide prevention, remember those who have died by suicide and support survivors and families, according to the announcement.
Organizers said that the event also aims to encourage open conversations about mental health and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness.
“Mental illness and suicide affect families in every part of our community,” Robinson said in the announcement. “Neon Night is about remembering the people we have lost, standing beside the people who are still fighting, and making sure no one in our community believes they have to struggle alone. Hope is real, recovery is possible and help is available.”
Neon Night Suicide Prevention Run
Date: Sept. 12
Time: 7:40 p.m.
Location: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146, Springfield, Missouri
Registration:runsignup.com
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: NAMI event will honor Betsy Fogle for mental health work
