Within the last few years, the metal community was hit with significant losses due to suicide. It’s time to look out for each other and know it’s OK not to be OK. There are many resources available to help those who are suffering from mental illness or depression. Entercom has now announced a two hour special to raise awareness of mental health. The leading media and entertainment company and one of the two largest US radio broadcasters will run “I’m Listening,” a live, commercial-free special to raise awareness on mental health. “I’m Listening” will air at the beginning of National Suicide Prevention Week on Sunday, September 8th at 7:00 am across more than 235 stations as well as their live stream via Radio.com.
The campaign will also include suicide prevention PSAs, on-air promos and a website similar to Disturbed’s providing information and resources circling around mental health.
Pat Paxton, Chief Programming Officer of Entercom commented:
“Mental health and suicide prevention are year-round initiatives at Entercom and we are doing our part to end the stigma by encouraging people to talk. Like millions of others, my family has been impacted by mental health issues and the effect it has on friends and families is devastating. ‘I’m Listening’ is when our vast network of radio stations and digital platforms unite on the same day, at the same time, to ultimately save lives. If we help just one person, our time will have been well spent.”
BJ Shea, on-air personality for 99.9KISW (KISW-FM) in Seattle, will lead the special along with DR. Ursula Whiteside, Chief Executive Officer, MowMattersNow.org.
The live show will feature personal stories from musicians, celebrities, athletes, first responders, and mental health professionals. Artists includes: Blink-182, Disturbed, Halsey, Lizzo, Michael Ray, Tegan and Sara, and Shawn Mendes.
In addition to the September 8th live broadcast, Entercom LGBTQ+ talk radio network Channel Q via Radio.com will extend the programing throughout the entire National Suicide Prevention week running from September 9th to September 13th.
The special will also cover learning how to discuss mental health and suicide with family and friends as a guide to prevent suicide from someone you know who is struggling with depression and how to get involved in suicide prevention.
For more information on the campaign, check out the website.
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