West Liberty-Salem middle school and high school students attended an assembly on Monday afternoon reminding them that their lives matter. The Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Service Board of Logan County, Bellefontaine Church of God, and Jeff Hastings of the Warrior 180 project spoke in an hour long presentation highlighting five important messages; 1) You will face trouble 2) Start now with taking care of yourself 3) Listen to your friends 4) You can save a life 5) Never, never, never give up.
Hastings, Executive Director of Warrior 180 Foundation, has dedicated his life to traveling the country and encouraging military and young people “to come along side of those who are hurting and offer care and compassion as well as equip others to reach out to those in need in their community.” Hastings served in the armed forces and became a master trainer for the US Army in suicide intervention.
He created a presentation tailored specifically to young people empowering students to speak up if they need help and not to be ashamed to ask those tough questions if they see a friend struggling. His “don’t give up message” challenged students to take care of themselves, include exercise in their daily routine, get more rest, be a good friend, put the phones away and really listen, and know that you can save lives just by asking the right questions and knowing the signs.
Hastings, and other collaborators visited six area schools and will tie up their tour with a community ‘Life Rally’ on October 23rd at 7 PM, at Bellefontaine High School. The community rally is open to the public, and anyone interested in hearing more is welcome to attend.