REPUBLIC, Mo. (KY3) – The neighborhood in Republic got here collectively to unfold consciousness on good psychological well being.

The occasion featured dwell music, a silent public sale, and the Ozarks’ comic Jaron Myers carried out.

Hayden Hradek is the organizer of this occasion. The 15-year-old Republic High School sophomore stated this was all a pipedream college undertaking final June.

“If we can continue to bring awareness to our community and then across southwest Missouri, we’re going to be able to see suicide rates drop because we’re being more open,” stated Hradek.

Hradek stated he was ready for this present day.

“I woke up this morning and it was kind of surreal, like, wait a second,” stated Hradek. “Today’s the day.”

This is all to lift cash for the Tristen’s Hope Foundation, which was began after Republic teen Tristen Shaw took his personal life, and their aim is to unfold suicide consciousness.

Hradek stated they wish to elevate round $5,000 for the inspiration to assist construct one thing nice.

“Ultimate goals with the foundation is to be able to have a community crisis center,” stated Hradek.

He stated this may be a counseling heart for these to take their minds off issues.

Jaron Myers stated opening up could possibly be laborious for individuals in smaller cities.

“Growing up in a small town that I did, there was a little bit of a everyone’s going to know, or there’s a lot of shame,” stated Myers. “So important, not just for a community to know how to deal with it, but also as individuals to know how to express it and experience it.”

Hradek stated the packed home is meant to let individuals know, its okay to be not okay, however open up about it.

“This should be the one that can stop all of the other killings. We can stop it right now, If we talk about it and continue to raise awareness,” stated Hradek.

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