HOPE MEANS NEVADA, ANTHEM ANNOUNCE APRIL 23 – 30 VIRTUAL EVENT SCHEDULE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOPE MEANS NEVADA, ANTHEM ANNOUNCE APRIL 23 – 30 VIRTUAL
EVENT SCHEDULE FOR #ASK5 TO SMASH STRESS SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN

Week 4 of Campaign Spotlights Therapy is Cool 

Click Here for Downloadable Photos, Video

 WHAT:
For the final week of its monthlong “#Ask5 to Smash Stress” social media campaign for National Stress Awareness Month, Hope Means Nevada (HMN), the community-based non-profit focused on eliminating youth suicide in the state, and campaign sponsor Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will focus on Therapy is Cool. The campaign will be accessible on HMN’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

#Ask5 to Smash Stress is a peer-to-peer social media campaign that focuses on encouraging teens to connect with their peers and raise awareness that could improve mental wellness and even save lives. Throughout the month, this campaign encourages teens to #Ask5 of their friends how they are doing and provide actionable techniques to foster mental health and wellness. The teens will be encouraged to log onto social media daily to learn about stress-relieving strategies, including how to achieve balance between life and school, mindful eating and healthy body image, fostering healthy relationships, finding a therapist who is the right fit and more. Mental wellness tips and meaningful discussions will be shared on the social media platforms via daily live presentations and short videos.

WEEK 4 SCHEDULE: THERAPY IS COOL
Sunday, April 23: Kick-off video with an overview of the campaign and what the audience can expect presented by Jayna Hughes, member of pop group The Future X.

Monday, April 24: HMN Teen Committee co-chair Lauren Edgeworth will chat with Lili Pond Therapy about what to expect in a therapy session and the stigmatization of asking for help.

Tuesday, April 25: Infographic on how to find a therapist. Additionally, former IBF lightweight champion of the world, Paul Spadafora will present a video about when he realized he needed help for his suicidal ideation.

Wednesday, April 26: NFL player Solomon Thomas and The Defensive Line Foundation will discuss how going to therapy should be destigmatized.

Thursday, April 27: Check in & chat box question with Mackenzie Vojvoda.

Friday, April 28: Social media musical performance with Positively Arts.

Saturday, April 29: Weekly Recap – Five takeaways from the week.

Sunday, April 30: “Be Back Soon” social media post encouraging teens to unplug from social media for the day.

WHERE:
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @hopemeansnevada

HASHTAGS:
#Ask5toSmashStress
#Ask5
#SuicidePrevention
#MentalWellness
#ItsOKtoNOTbeOK
#StressAwarenessMonth

INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE:
Media are invited to interview mental health professionals and subject matter experts from Hope Means Nevada, Anthem and local organizations to learn more about this effort as well as other resources that are being made available, so they can be shared with audiences to influence positive action and strengthen communities. To schedule a phone, Zoom or on-air interview, please contact Vanessa Thill at vanessa@thevoxagency.com.

ABOUT HOPE MEANS NEVADA
Hope Means Nevada’s (HMN) mission is to eliminate teen suicide and empower Nevada’s youth to live hopeful lives. As one of the most trusted and visible mental health resources in the state, HMN inspires a culture of empathy and advocacy around mental health. While raising awareness around Nevada’s high rates of mental health challenges, the organization strives to amplify hope and connect youth with desperately needed resources. Through collaborative, compassionate, inclusive and impactful efforts, the community-based initiative envisions a suicide-free Nevada. For more information about Hope Means Nevada, go to www.hopemeansnevada.org and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The new National Suicide Prevention Hotline number is now three-digit dialing code 988. Those experiencing a mental health emergency can also text “Home” to 741741 to reach the National Crisis Text Line.

ABOUT ANTHEM BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD NEVADA
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Nevada helps improve healthcare access and quality for more than 650,000 Nevadans by developing innovative care management programs and services. Anthem’s top priority is the health and well-being of its members and enabling access to comprehensive healthcare. Through health education and community outreach programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain a healthy lifestyle. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Community Care health Plan of Nevada, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. To learn more, visit www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/anthemBCBS_news or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnthemMedicaid/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Vanessa Thill/ Erika Pope
The Vox Agency
vanessa@thevoxagency.com, erika@thevoxagency.com
(469) 226-4723, (702) 249-2977

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