DaBaby’s new initiative, DaBaby Cares, is a game-changer in the world of mental health. Launched on September 25th in memory of his brother, Glenn Johnson, who sadly took his own life in 2020, this program aims to break the silence around mental health, especially in our communities.
A Personal Mission
Jonathan Lyndale Kirk, better known as DaBaby, is a well-known music artist who has turned his personal tragedy into a mission to help others. Losing his brother was a wake-up call that pushed him to take action. He teamed up with Mental Health America of Central Carolinas to create a platform that gives young people the mental health support and education they need.
The Importance of Resources
One of DaBaby Cares’ key features is the free Mental Health 101 Guide. Co-written by DaBaby and Mental Health America, this guide covers the basics of mental health and aims to get people talking about it. It’s easy to understand and packed with helpful information.
The program also includes the Glenn Johnson for Mental Health initiative, named after DaBaby’s brother. This initiative focuses on providing real-time support to those struggling with mental health issues. By offering these resources, DaBaby Cares hopes to create a community where people feel safe to seek help.
One of the biggest challenges in mental health care is the stigma that surrounds it. In many communities, especially within our own, mental health issues are often misunderstood or ignored. DaBaby’s platform aims to change this by normalizing conversations about mental health and encouraging people to seek help without fear of judgment.
Making a Real Difference
DaBaby Cares is more than just a program; it’s a push for collective awareness. It urges individuals, communities, and organizations to support mental health initiatives. By providing resources, education, and support, DaBaby Cares is paving the way for a future where mental health is a priority and people feel empowered to seek the help they need.
The Rising Suicide Rates in Our Communities
Recent statistics highlight the urgency of DaBaby’s mission. Suicide rates among Black adolescents and young adults have seen a concerning increase. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate among Black individuals aged 10-24 increased by 36.6% from 2018 to 2021.
Additionally, the CDC has released data stating that the suicide rate for Black youth between the ages of 10 and 19 passes that of white youth for the first time. That is why we know initiatives like DaBaby Cares are vital. There are so many layers to getting help, whether it be gathering the strength to ask for help, having access to mental health services, or even finding professionals who truly understand you.
DaBaby’s initiative shows how one person can make a big difference. With DaBaby Cares, he’s honoring his brother and helping to fight mental health stigma. This initiative highlights the importance of discussing mental health openly, checking in on our loved ones, and being kind to strangers. It also encourages those who have the means to develop their initiatives. As we all may deal with mental health challenges at some point in our lives, programs like DaBaby Cares can remind us that we’re not alone and that help is available. Let’s strive to keep supporting ourselves and each other; mental health should be a priority in our lives.