If a community were to marshal its collective resources around mental health, what could and what should they do? Since learning of 157 immediate detentions by Fishers Police Department on individuals who expressed a desire to hurt themselves or someone else, this question has been a driving force behind Mayor Fadness’ Fishers Mental Health Initiative. This November, the City of Fishers is spearheading its second Movember campaign, aimed at raising money and awareness for men’s health, with a special focus on men’s mental health.
“In our community, data shows that over the past three years males in Fishers comprise 46 percent of the total number of mental health incidents,” stated Mayor Fadness. “For that same period, 51 percent of all suicide attempts and completions were males 40 and over. Movember is a great opportunity for the Mental Health Initiative to rally behind the fathers, brothers, husbands, and male friends who may be living in quiet despair.”
During the month of November, Fishers residents are encouraged to join the #StigmaFreeFishers network. Residents interested in doing so can sign up online at movember.com. Once the account has been created, those interested can join the City of Fishers Movember Network. Team members are invited to share their “before” photos on social media using #StigmaFreeFishers and to join the close out event on Nov. 30 at Four Day Ray Brewing. The close our event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. with a group photo at 6 p.m. to record the “after” progress of the monthlong beard- and mustache-growing effort.
Complimentary appetizers will be served courtesy of Four Day Ray Brewing. During the close out event, raffle tickets will be available for purchase, and all proceeds will benefit the Fishers-based Peyton Riekhof Foundation for Youth Hope to benefit programs for youth males.
Residents interested in learning more about Fishers’ Mental Health Initiative are encouraged to visit Fishers.in.us/MentalHealth. Those interested in learning more or signing up to participate in Movember are encouraged to visit the City of Fishers’ Movember team page.