The Mental Health Club at Lindbergh High School in Renton, Washington, recently hosted a walk to amplify the importance of suicide prevention. The walk, supported by Providence and Seattle Sounders FC as part of their commitment to enhancing the mental well-being of students in the district, raised more than $3,700 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
This is the second annual walk for the cause, creating momentum for the event to be held yearly after building on last year’s walk.
“Nothing like this has happened at our school before,” said club vice president Anna Steiner. “I really admired what steps were taken to start something last year, and I really look forward to how we can build on this for next year.”
The walk featured Sounders brand ambassador and former player Brad Evans who spoke to the students about the importance for them to prioritize their mental health. Messages like this have been incredibly resonant in the district through the involvement of Work2BeWell, a mental health and wellness program that provides mental health resources and education to teens, parents, and educators at no cost.
“I think the topic of suicide and mental health in general, is just something not talked about too much,” said club president David Bedsaul. “It’s a big motivator for us to make the event district wide – bringing more attention and awareness to the topic.”
Through personal connection to mental health, wanting to be there for others, and creating greater awareness on the importance of mental health, the club looks forward to making the event bigger and better so more district students feel comfortable asking for help.
“Being in this space allows me to take care of my mental health, which helps me be there for others,” said Bedsaul. “I feel like mental illness is, a lot of times, not seen with the same seriousness as physical health. Our mental health should be just as important as anything else.”
“Having the club in the school allows students to come get resources or just ask for help if they need it,” said Steiner. “We just want people to know it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t need to struggle alone.”
Learn more about the Providence and Sounders FC partnership and work in the Renton School District.
Donate to Lindbergh’s fundraiser to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
