PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Waves of Wellness Event to Provide Fun Mental Health and Wellness Activities for Ocean County Families The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide is hosting a free mental health and wellness event for Ocean County families to promote mental health awareness and local health and wellness resources. Toms River, NJ July 2 – The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS), is hosting Waves of Wellness, a free community entertainment event for families in Ocean County on July 17th, 2024 that will feature fun wellness activities for all ages! All families are invited and encouraged to participate in this fun-packed event that will feature a DIY Lemonade Stand, Snack Bar, a Make Your Own Iced Coffee Bar for adults and gift card raffle giveaways for attendees! Youth in attendance will have the opportunity to explore games and activity stations hosted by Lead U. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with and learn more about local community resources and vendors for mental health, holistic wellness and more. The Waves of Wellness event is open to all who are looking for an evening of fun and education. "Our goal with Waves of Wellness is to increase community awareness and work to decrease stigma surrounding mental health challenges and suicide in Ocean County through fun and engaging events. Waves to Wellness is one step in making youth more inclined to reach out for help," says Kalisha Smith, SPTS Associate Clinical Director, "It is our intention that this event will work to introduce, support and continue important conversations about mental health and suicide prevention in Ocean County." Waves of Wellness will take place on Wednesday, July 17th, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Pine Beach Elementary School in Toms River. All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a $50 Visa gift card. Three lucky participants will be randomly selected to win. Attendees must be present to win. Waves of Wellness is free for all who wish to attend. Walk-ins are welcome as there is no registration necessary to attend. Waves of Wellness is hosted by the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide and made possible by the Ocean County Department of Human Services through the 2023-2024 United States Department of Treasury's Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988. Visit 988lifeline.org for crisis chat services or for more information. Media outlets are encouraged to adhere to the Safe Reporting Guidelines when covering suicide-related news and topics. These guidelines aim to promote help-seeking behavior and minimize feelings of hopelessness among individuals who may be struggling. ### The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, Inc. (SPTS) is a 501(c)3 public charity, incorporated on January 18, 2005. The organization was founded by two Monmouth County, New Jersey fathers who each experienced the devastating loss of a teenage child by suicide. SPTS is dedicated to increasing awareness, saving lives and reducing the stigma of suicide through specialized training programs and mental health resources that empower students, parents, school staff and community members with the skills needed to help youth build a life of resiliency. Many organizations address mental health needs across the entire age spectrum, however SPTS is the only organization focused solely on comprehensive youth suicide prevention for ages 5-18. SPTS utilizes a holistic approach, centered on evidence-based, best practices programming to build communities where everyone is concerned about the welfare of all members of their community, is committed to an environment that supports the common good, and knows how and where to get help if someone is in need. The array of programs offered by SPTS target the network around a young person. Keep updated with SPTS by following us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Last Updated: 07/03/24