Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 4-14-17

Feature
Blue Moon 211, Inc. Members Meet With Elected Officials About Mental Health Concerns
On April 6, 2017 Ms. Vanessa Johnson, CEO/Founder of Blue Moon 211, Inc., and Director of Blue Moon 211, Inc., Ms. Pauline Wright Henry attended the March on Tallahassee, Florida for Suicide Prevention, along with Florida Suicide Advo- cates. Ms. Johnson met with Rep. Sean Shaw, Rep. James Grant and Senator Darryl Rouson to let it be known, Florida ranks 50th in per capita spending for Mental Health and the growing prob- lem of suicide among college- aged students.
Suicide is the second lead- ing cause of death in the aged group of 24-34. There are twice as many suicides as there are homicides in the state of Florida.
University and college campuses are being over- whelmed by students with anxiety disorders.
Upon returning to Tampa Ms. Johnson has launched a campaign, “TOGETHER WE
Florida State Senator Dar- ryl Rouson with Vanessa Johnson and Pauline Henry.
CAN, CODE BLUE LIFE,” to raise awareness to communi- ties across the world to get in- volved with colleges in their area.
Ms. Johnson states, “We are sending this message out to every church, community leader, organization, educa- tion dept., and parents. We need to step up and step into the lives of our young people. Everyone plays a role in pre- vention, now is the time to play your role.
“We are losing this battle; at a rate of 44,000 since 2015;
Vanessa Johnson and Rep. Derrick Jackson of Georgia.
there has been a significant rise since Blue Moon 211, Inc. started in 2013 (38,000). We are seeking volunteers and sponsors to help with this campaign.”
On March 6, 2017 Ms. Johnson had the honor to participate in the 2017 March on Atlanta, Georgia Capitol for Suicide Prevention along with Georgia advocates. Ms. Johnson had appointments with Senator David Lucas, Sr. and Rep. Beverly (mid- dle Georgia) to discuss the
Florida State Representa- tive Sean Shaw with Vanessa Johnson and Pauline Henry.
Mental Health Care Reform Act.
While addressing the is- sues, Ms. Johnson was in- vited to attend the 2017 State Legislative Luncheon given by the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. This meeting was a meeting of many leaders in the Georgia area.
The meeting addressed the future of Georgia and Improv-
ing Economic Mobility of Georgia Families and the Leg- islature’s Role in Creating and Fostering Economic Mobility.
The 5th annual Tranquility on the Green will be held April 30, 2017 at the Water Works Park, Tampa, 3-7 p. m. with live entertainment, fun activi- ties and a dove release to com- memorate “Peace.” MC Ebony Cruz is the moderator for this event. Blue Moon 211 Inc. partnered with Sport Kids Foundation (Pastor Kenneth Muldrow) to help sponsor scholarships for high school graduates for college.
For more information on the event and the campaign contact: Vanessa Rainey Johnson, faith.bluemoon 211@gmail.com, Pauline Wright Henry, peace.blue- moon211@gmail.com or Pas- tor Muldrow at hhhh@holyhiphop.com.
PAGE 4-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2017