The internet has helped make stories available of young girls struggling with thoughts of suicide and depression.
One Los Angeles teen has set out to spread awareness and hope to those in need.
Delila Brown, 14, an eighth-grader at Flintridge Preparatory School, has organized a concert on Saturday featuring singer/songwriter Jacob Whitesides to benefit Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, which provides mental health care and substance use disorder services in communities where stigma or poverty limit access.
Saturday’s program – from 3 o’clock to 8 – will be in the school auditorium, 4345 Crown Ave., La Canada Flintridge. There will be a meet-and-greet with Mr. Whitesides for those who purchase $100 VIP tickets.
Delila told the story of how she came to host the concert and chose Didi Hirsch, of Culver City and elsewhere. (www.didihirsch.org) “I was thinking about what I should do for my eighth grade community service project,” she said.
“I didn’t want to just put out a collection box like a lot of people I know. So I came up with the benefit concert idea.
“My teacher helped me find good charities. She knew about Didi Hirsch, what they do with suicide prevention. That sounded good to me. Then we had to find someone to do the concert.
“My dad builds stages, and he has a friend who is a concert promoter. He told me I should find someone who is not too famous, but up-and-coming. ,
“My dad’s friend helped me reach out to Jacob Whitesides through his manager (who happens to be his mom). He wanted to make sure it was a legitimate event. He did his own research on Didi Hirsch. He says a lot of his fans have gone through depression and they have been suicidal. He wants to help them.”
Mr. Whitesides is a 17-year old internet phenomenon who has six million views on YouTube and one million followers on Twitter.
For information about Delila Brown, see http://www.pollstar.com/news_article.aspx?ID=815600
About Didi Hirsch
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services provides mental health, substance use disorder and wellness services to more than 74,000 children and adults in 11 locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties each year. Our Suicide Prevention Center’s Crisis Line has English- and Spanish-speaking counselors available 24/7, is one of five centers nationwide to operate the Disaster Distress Helpline, and offers online emotional support, community training and bereavement support groups for those who have lost loved ones to suicide.
Jamie Andersen may be contacted atjamiea@lfpr.com
