The Indianapolis Colts and Kicking The Stigma today announced a statewide collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Indiana to provide free coffee cup sleeves to coffee shops across Indiana that promote mental health awareness.
The partnership, set for September's Suicide Prevention Month and October's World Mental Health Day, will raise awareness about mental health and aim to normalize these conversations.
"We're proud to partner with AFSP Indiana on these unique and mental health focused coffee sleeves," said Kalen Jackson, Colts Vice Chair & Owner. "AFSP Indiana has been a leader in this space promoting conversations about mental health and suicide prevention and we are excited to see how we can impact Hoosiers together through this effort."
This fall, Kicking The Stigma and AFSP Indiana will disseminate 75,000 coffee sleeves to local coffee shops throughout Indiana. There are two sleeve designs created in collaboration with Kicking The Stigma, AFSP Indiana and Scott Soltys-Curry of Indianapolis Coffee Guide. A full list of participating coffee shops will be available prior to the launch on Sept. 1.
Any coffee shop that would like to receive a free allotment of sleeves for distribution are encouraged to fill out this interest form.
"What started off as my own individual creative project for fun, the AFSP Indiana coffee sleeve project grew into something bigger than my imagination would have ever dreamed of," said Brandon Puszkiewicz, AFSP Indiana Programs Manager. "By merging community engagement with resource dissemination, this initiative has left an indelible mark statewide, sparking crucial conversations and fostering a supportive network for those affected by mental health issues and suicide."
"The Indiana Chapter's coffee sleeve project serves as a beacon of hope and a model for effective community engagement, proving that even small, thoughtful initiatives can lead to monumental changes in the realm of public health and beyond," he added.
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About Kicking The Stigma. Launched in 2020 by the Indianapolis Colts and the Jim Irsay family, Kicking The Stigma is an initiative to raise awareness about mental health and end the stigma often associated with mental health disorders. To date, more than $30 million has been committed to expand treatment and research and raise awareness in Indiana and beyond. To learn more or donate, visit KickingTheStigma.org.
About AFSP Indiana. The Indiana Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. As part of a nationwide network, AFSP Indiana works to understand and prevent suicide through research, education, and advocacy. The chapter provides local support for individuals and families affected by suicide, promotes mental health awareness, and advocates for public policies that advance suicide prevention. With a commitment to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues, AFSP Indiana empowers communities through various programs and events, including the annual Out of the Darkness Walks, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, and educational trainings and workshops. Together, we can make our Hoosier communities smart about mental health. For more information about our local chapter, visit afsp.org/Indiana. To make a donation, visit afsp.org/indianacircle.
