DAYTON -- In conjunction with the exhibition game between the University of Dayton and Xavier University men's basketball teams, the University of Dayton and CareSource will host the second annual Spotlight Town Hall event to honor Jayda Grant and champion adolescent and young adult mental health and suicide prevention.  The evening will spotlight, educate and drive awareness on mental health and wellness in adolescents and young adults.

The event is free and open to the public, and will be held on Wednesday, October 9 at the University of Dayton Arena.  The program will run from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. 

 A mental health resource fair and Dayton men's basketball player meet and greet begins when doors open at 5:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to visit various exhibits and learn about local organizations that support mental health and substance abuse initiatives.

The program will be highlighted with a keynote presentation by Gloria Umanah. After nearly losing her life to suicide at the age of 16, Gloria became passionate about fighting for those who feel invisible and cultivating a desire for greater purpose beyond circumstances within individuals. Gloria has partnered with organizations all over the world, telling beautiful and powerful stories of hope and redemption. You can read more about Gloria's background and her Hope Booth by visiting https://hopebooth.org

Gloria's presentation will be followed by a panel discussion including Dayton head coach Anthony Grant and his wife Chris, and other distinguished panelists.  The panel discussion will be moderated by Brandon Saho, Creator and Host of The Mental Game, which is a mental health podcast with athletes, musicians, and entertainers to help break the stigma of mental health.
Panelists include:
•    Anthony and Chris Grant
•    Gloria Umanah
•    Kelly Blankenship, associate chief medical officer, behavioral health at Dayton Children's Hospital 
•    Tia Marcel Moretti, Chief Advisor Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
•    Adolescent Mental Health Advocates
Local mental health organizations throughout the Dayton area will be on the concourse before and after the program for attendees to learn about services and programs.

While supporting the mental health of people of all ages is critical, this program will focus on the mental health needs of adolescents and young adults. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to determine appropriateness for an adolescent's age and development level.


Details

What: The Spotlight, To Shine A Light On Mental Health
Who: Open to the public, this program will focus on the mental health needs and programs for adolescents and young adults. 
When:  Wednesday, October 9 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET.  Doors open at 5:30 pm
Where: UD Arena. Free and general admission seating. Light concessions will be available for purchase. 

Event Questions: Trisha Greear, tgreear1@udayton.edu

 Click here to learn more about Jay's Light
Click here to learn more about and support the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
Click here to learn more about and support the Hope Booth