RAISING AWARENESS TO PREVENT ADOLESCENT SUICIDE. It's OK to Not be OK!!!

Back in 2022 , Harold Teller, at the age of 12 , a member of the National Junior Honor Society, submitted an essay focused on community service. The topic he chose was something that had been weighing on his mind, adolescent and teen suicide. Covid was drastically affecting everyone and everything around him, and media was ripe with stories of declining mental health due to isolation. Thankfully, Harold was able to continue playing basketball during Covid times, and realized how much the camaraderie and physical activity contributed to happiness amongst his peers. Perhaps he could combine these two things, and host a 3V3 tournament with proceeds benefitting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). So that's exactly what he did! Harold approached one of his coaches who agreed to host the event at his gym, and soon found himself going door-to-door finding sponsors to offset event costs. Entry fees went directly to the AFSP, and over 100 players signed up for the event, coined Harold's Hoops for Hope! Keeping momentum going, Harold hosted a second event in 2024, raising a combined total of $13K for the AFSP. With a desire to take things even further, Harold decided to start his own non-profit, Harold's Hoops for Hope, not only to continue the successful 3V3 events, but also to create and support other events in service to suicide prevention and improved mental health amongst kids and teens. The more we highlight these issues, the more kids will know that there's support out there for any/all who need it. It's OK not to be OK.