Second Annual Minds Matter Rally Set for March 10 at the TMB

Jacksonville State University invites its students, faculty, staff and community to participate in the Second Annual Minds Matter Rally to raise awareness for those struggling with mental illness. The event is co-sponsored by BFT Promotions and Active Minds, Inc.

"Mental health issues are becoming very big in today's society," said Gary Mank, the owner of BFT Promotions. "From athletes, movie stars, soldiers and the rest of us, we have or probably know someone who has suffered with some form of this. We need to raise awareness and first let those who are suffering know they are not alone. It happens to a great deal of us at some time in our lives, and there is help."

The program for the evening features testimonial speakers and counselors from Garrett Counseling of Jacksonville and Bradford Health Services of Oxford. There will be a hip-hop and spoken word concert following the speakers, and guests will be given the opportunity to mingle with the visiting organizations.

Mank hopes that the Minds Matter Rally, and specifically the music component, will appeal to young people who have been struggling with depression or other mental health disorders and who have been afraid of seeking help.

"I hope to combat this disease and equip those suffering with the information and resources to defeat it," said Mank. "Some cases won't be defeated entirely but can be managed. The shame and embarrassment, I believe, causes people to not seek help, but if we can eliminate that, I believe we are one huge step closer to controlling the mental health problems."

The Minds Matter Rally will be in the TMB Auditorium from 6 - 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 10. For more information, visit bftpromotions.com.