Kansas City Area Memorial Day National Invitational Tournament (NIT) Event Aims to Strike Out Teen Suicide

KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Lifting the Stigma on Teen Struggles" NIT held May 24 – 27, 2013 in the Kansas City area, will host 2,400 girls, ages 10 to 18, on more than 200 softball teams from 10 states. The girls will play for a cause aimed at bringing awareness to the struggles and stigma that exists around mental health, particularly suicide.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110727/CG42761LOGO)

Midwest Sports Productions (MSP) has partnered with NAMI and Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center to focus on teen depression and suicide for this four-day event designated to specific parks in the Kansas City area including east (Adair Park, Frank White, and Markey Park) and west locations (Basehor-Field of Dreams and Mid America West). Further information on locations is available at http://www.playmsp.com/Fastpitch/MemorialDayNIT/MemorialDayNITLocations.aspx

"One out of every 12 teens attempt suicide," said Jeremy McDowell, USSSA KS Fastpitch State Director at Midwest Sports Productions. "This means that one girl from every team in the tournament is affected. That's an alarming statistic. With this event, we hope to break the stigma and get people to talk more about suicide, ultimately reducing its likelihood."

Having treated thousands of adolescent girls and women through the years for major depression, self-harm, eating disorders, addiction and more, Timberline Knolls will be providing information on suicide to attendees at the event. For more information on the event, visit http://www.playmsp.com/Fastpitch/MemorialDayNIT.aspx 

"Suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death for young people," adds McDowell. "I've had a personal experience with attempted suicide in my family and know several other families who have as well. That's why it's so important to talk about it and get the right help immediately."

The event is sponsored by the Mavericks, Dave & Busters and the Kansas City T-Bones. MSP will be awarding a prize to the team that brings the largest pre-tournament donation.

About NAMI–KC:

NAMI-KC is the only organization which specifically supports the mentally ill and the family members of the mentally ill throughout the greater Kansas City area. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those with a serious mental illness and to eradicate that illness. NAMI-KC serves as an information center, including referrals on services needed. We provide educational seminars and reference materials related to mental illness. We provide emotional support to families, especially ways of coping during times of crisis. We coordinate a large number of support groups throughout the community. We establish liaisons with other mental health organizations. Working towards quality individualized treatment, we also include all levels of treatment, and a continuum of care for persons with a mental illness. By working through legislation, we strive to improve private and governmental funding for mental health facilities and services. For more information, visit www.namikc.org.

About Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center:

Timberline Knolls is a leading private residential treatment center for women and adolescent girls (ages 12 – 65+) with eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, mood and co-occurring disorders.  Located in suburban Chicago, residents receive excellent clinical care from a highly trained professional staff on a picturesque 43-acre wooded campus.  Women and families seeking Christian treatment can opt for specialized Christian-based therapy.  For more information on Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center, call us at 877.257.9611. We are also on Facebook – Timberline Knolls, and LinkedIn – Timberline Knolls.

Contact:
Mary Anne Morrow
Director of Communications
Timberline Knolls
[email protected]
Tel: 602-359-6989

SOURCE Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center