Rascal Flatts Reach Out To Teens About World Suicide Prevention Day September 10, 2010

September 9, 2010

As ambassadors for The Jason Foundation (JFI), Rascal Flatts have recorded a special public service announcement regarding World Suicide Prevention Day slated to take place on September 10, a worldwide day of commitment and action to prevent suicides. On average, almost 3000 people commit suicide daily. For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives.

In America, suicide is the third leading cause of death for American youths. Rascal Flatts, along with JFI, are reaching out asking teens and their families to learn more about the problem of suicide and how you can help make a difference in your family, in your community, and in our world. To learn more Rascal Flatts involvement in the B1 Project go to www.rascalflattsb1.com. The purpose of the B1 Project is to educate youth and students on recognizing the warning signs of youth suicide and how to help a friend.

To view the psa please go to www.rascalflattsb1.com.

The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is an educational organization dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth suicide. JFI believes that awareness and education are the first steps to prevention and focuses on establishing a Triangle of Prevention by providing students, parents and teachers/youth workers the tools and resources to help them identify and assist at-risk youth. This is accomplished through a series of programs and services that focus on information about the awareness and prevention of youth suicide. JFI is a national organization with a network of affiliate offices. Go to www.jasonfoundation.com to learn more.

Rascal Flatts- Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney- have been involved in many charitable endeavors throughout their career and believe in the gift of giving back. Along the way they’ve become avid supporters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where they have donated nearly 3 million dollars, the American Red Cross, as celebrity cabinet members, and more.

Rascal Flatts Named “Ambassadors” of The Jason Foundation

September 2, 2010

Nashville – (June 23, 2010) – Rascal Flatts have been named as Ambassadors, or celebrity spokesmen, for The Jason Foundation (JFI) and in addition to their roles in public service announcements, public awareness programs and fundraising, they will also promote the foundation’s newly created “B1” Project.

The “B1” Project is a nationwide effort specifically geared to educate youth and students on how to recognize when a friend might be struggling with thoughts of suicide or life in general, and how to help.  The theme is “Someone you know may need a friend – B 1”.  As a part of their ambassador role, Rascal Flatts will be directly involved in this project through a widespread media and social networking campaign.  The campaign will include public service announcements, poster distribution to schools and Facebook initiatives.  Rascal Flatts will also be showing their public service announcements during concerts throughout their “Nothing Like This Tour,” which launches June 25, 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“Having been personally affected by suicide,” said Jay DeMarcus, “it’s important for me to do all that we can to create more awareness and prevention, particularly with teenagers.  We are proud to be partners with the Jason Foundation and we are looking forward to doing our part in trying to help them save even more lives.”

“We look forward to helping give people the right tools to recognize the signs,” shared Gary LeVox.  “Our youth need to know they have options and there are people that want to help them.”

The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is an educational organization dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth suicide.  JFI believes that awareness and education are the first steps to prevention and focuses on establishing a Triangle of Prevention by providing students, parents and teachers/youth workers the tools and resources to help them identify and assist at-risk youth. This is accomplished through a series of programs and services that focus on information about the awareness and prevention of youth suicide. JFI is a national organization with a network of affiliate offices. Go to www.jasonfoundation.com to learn more.

Rascal Flatts- Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney- have been involved in many charitable endeavors throughout their career and believe in the gift of giving back. Along the way they’ve become avid supporters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where they have donated nearly 3 million dollars, the American Red Cross, as celebrity cabinet members, and more.

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How to B1

Be Aware

Be aware and understand the problem of suicide within the Army, National Guard and Army Reserve.

  • In 2010, suicides in the Army, National Guard and Army Reserve increased 24.4%.
  • Suicides in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve in 2010 almost doubled those in 2009.
  • The Army reported 156 active duty deaths by suicide and 145 suicides among guardsmen and reservists.
  • Of the 112 guardsmen lost to suicide, more than 50% had not deployed.
  • Suicide is PREVENTABLE.

By being part of the B1 Project, you can help take some of the "silence" away from the "silent epidemic" of youth suicide by learning about the problem and making a plan to help your friends who may be struggling.

Be Able to Identify

Be able to identify those who may be struggling with suicidal ideation. Learn the warning signs and risk factors:

  • Dramatic mood changes
  • Depression; hopelessness and helplessness
  • Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities
  • Talking or hinting about suicide
  • Rehearsal of suicide acts
  • Withdrawal from family, friends and activities
  • Previous suicide attempts
  • Severe or prolonged stress
  • Significant change in performance
  • Finalizing personal affairs
  • Giving away personal possessions
  • Legal, financial and/or occupational problems
  • Increasing alcohol or drug use
  • Family history of suicide
  • Acting bizarre or unusual (based on your knowledge of the person)
  • Readjustment difficulties following deployment

(NOTE: This is not an all-inclusive list of warning signs and risk factors.)

Be Prepared to Ask and Act paget

The warning signs and risk factors mentioned in Step 2 are not the only signs which a soldier who is struggling may exhibit. If the behavior is out of character for the person as you know them, the behavior at least warrants some questions or conversation as to what is happening with them. Have a plan of action ready in the event you recognize the person may be having suicidal thoughts. Don’t be afraid to get involved. Some resources for help:

  • Soldier's first line leader
  • Chaplain
  • Behavioral Health Professional
  • Emergency Personnel: 911

Be a Part of the Solution

By entering your email address and clicking "I'll B1", you are pledging to be there for your friends. Someone you know may need a friend - B1.

Thank You For Your Pledge -- Pass B1 Along to Others

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