In a powerful move to promote mental health awareness, the Indianapolis Colts and their initiative, Kicking The Stigma, have partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Indiana. Together, they aim to spark vital conversations about mental health across the state by distributing 75,000 specially designed coffee cup sleeves to coffee shops throughout Indiana. This initiative, timed to coincide with September's Suicide Prevention Month and October's World Mental Health Day, represents a creative and impactful way to normalize mental health discussions.
Kalen Jackson, Colts Vice Chair & Owner, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: "We're proud to partner with AFSP Indiana on these unique and mental health-focused coffee sleeves. AFSP Indiana has been a leader in this space promoting conversations about mental health and suicide prevention and we are excited to see how we can impact Hoosiers together through this effort."
Colts news site reported that this fall, coffee lovers across Indiana will find their coffee cups wrapped in messages promoting mental health awareness. These sleeves, featuring two distinct designs created in collaboration with Kicking The Stigma, AFSP Indiana, and Scott Soltys-Curry of Indianapolis Coffee Guide, will serve as daily reminders of the importance of mental health.
Brandon Puszkiewicz, AFSP Indiana Programs Manager, highlighted the significance of this project: "What started off as my own individual creative project for fun, the AFSP Indiana coffee sleeve project grew into something bigger than my imagination would have ever dreamed of. By merging community engagement with resource dissemination, this initiative has left an indelible mark statewide, sparking crucial conversations and fostering a supportive network for those affected by mental health issues and suicide."
The initiative not only aims to distribute coffee sleeves but also to create a ripple effect of awareness and support. It is a testament to how small, thoughtful actions can lead to monumental changes in public health. Coffee shops across Indiana are encouraged to participate in this initiative. Any coffee shop that wishes to receive a free allotment of these mental health-themed sleeves can fill out an interest form available on the project’s webpage. A full list of participating coffee shops will be released prior to the project’s launch on September 1.
Launched in 2020 by the Indianapolis Colts and the Jim Irsay family, Kicking The Stigma is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and combating the stigma often associated with mental health disorders. To date, the initiative has committed over $30 million to expand treatment, fund research, and raise awareness both in Indiana and beyond. For more information or to donate, visit KickingTheStigma.org.
The Indiana Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is part of a national network committed to saving lives and providing hope to those affected by suicide. Through research, education, and advocacy, AFSP Indiana works tirelessly to understand and prevent suicide. The chapter also provides local support for individuals and families affected by suicide, promotes mental health awareness, and advocates for policies that advance suicide prevention. Learn more about their programs and how you can help at afsp.org/Indiana.
Together, through initiatives like these, we can make Indiana communities smarter about mental health and continue to break the stigma surrounding these crucial conversations.
If you or your loved one are struggling with mental health challenges, reach out to Avenues Recovery today to receive the help you deserve.