For the fourth year in a row, the Fort Dodge Community School District will host Slam the Stigma, a mental health and suicide awareness night, during the basketball games against Humboldt on Monday at Fort Dodge Senior High.

St. Edmond will then host the same event on Tuesday, Dec. 16, during the home basketball doubleheader against Algona.

A coalition of local organizations — led by the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge and Webster County Health Department — has again partnered to bring this event to the community. The goal is to highlight local mental health and suicide prevention resources while helping reduce stigma around seeking support.

The event was inspired by a similar program held in Clarion in November 2022.

“We were asked to attend an event at Clarion-Goldfield-Dows called Slam the Stigma that was organized by the family of a student who died by suicide,” said Regina Suhrbier, outreach coordinator for Community Health Center of Fort Dodge. “The way it brought together local resources and opened up conversations around mental health was powerful. We knew we wanted to bring that experience to Fort Dodge.”

Crystal Kliegl, professional support at FDCSD, hopes the evening helps community members feel more comfortable reaching out for help.

“My hope is to raise awareness around the numerous mental health supports we have in our community,” she said. “There are many different options for people who are ready to begin their healing journey. The purpose is also to normalize seeking support. Many people suffer in silence, but I want people to know they do not have to do that.”

Suhrbier echoed those hopes, adding, “We want to make sure people know what resources are available and that it is OK to talk about mental health and suicide. I’m also looking forward to more student involvement this year.”

Attendees are encouraged to wear green to show their support for mental health awareness. Beginning at 5 p.m., guests can visit resource tables from a variety of local organizations. Each attendee will receive a flyer listing all participating groups. Visit every table and have your flyer marked, and you’ll earn a free popcorn, courtesy of the Fort Dodge Booster Club.

“We are so appreciative of Activities Director Brandon Ruffridge and Mental Health Support Specialist/Therapist Katie Royster for helping us bring this together again this year,” Suhrbier said.

“We are proud to continue this important event,” Royster said. “Bringing awareness to mental health and suicide prevention is crucial, and this event creates a space where our community can come together, learn, and support one another.”

The participating organizations are Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, Webster County Health Department, Fort Dodge Community School District, Innovative Counseling and Consulting LLC, UnityPoint — Berryhill Center, UnityPoint Health — Eyerly Ball, First Five, Iowa Works, Iowa Primary Care Association System Navigation, Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Community and Family Resources, Youth Wellness Coalition/TIPP, HOSA, Art Club, and Diversity Action Troupe.