2017 - Continuing after 2016 Hermine Cancelation

Event History:
NAMI-Tallahassee held the Inaugural Bluebird Run for Brookie B. on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2015.  The event, a 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk for suicide awareness, prevention and postvention exceeded our expectations — raising over $23,000. Over 350 runners and walkers traversed the brand new courses at JR Alford Greenway and the Lafayette Heritage Trail. This is more than double what the NAMI Tallahassee organizers originally anticipated.

The Bluebird Run scheduled for Monday, September 5, 2016 was cancelled due to conditions at JR Alford Greenway following Hurricane Hermine. We regreted that we were unable to find an appropriate date to reschedule.

The above photo is from a past event.  The 2019 event brought in 555 registrants in the walk and run with an additional 70 volunteers, plus added activities.  In addition:

• There are 420 new Bluebird Run T-shirts with sponsor logos now out in the community.
• There were 200 packets with a listing of sponsors and logos, sponsor promotions, suicide prevention, and mental health resources distributed.
• Twelve vendors asked to table at the event – all with mental health resources available and on display.
• There were 90 registrants identified as a Survivor of Suicide Loss on an optional registration question.
• There were 44 registrants who identified as a Survivor of a Suicide Attempt on an optional registration question.
• Sixty-six registrants asked to be kept informed on suicide issues on an optional registration question.

Where the Money Goes:
On January 25, 2017, Bluebird funds brought in Dr. Frank Campbell, founder of the LOSS Team concept.  For more information on “postvention” (support for the grief-stricken survivors of suicide loss) and local efforts on bringing a Suicide LOSS Team to Tallahassee, refer to an “Overview of Loss Teams,” by Dr. Frank Campbell or visit our LOSS Team webpage regarding the Campbell event.

Funding also enabled two mental health professionals of the LOSS Team of The Big Bend, to attend the April 2017 National LOSS Team Conference.  The theme of the conference was “Strength in Numbers: Engaging the Community in Suicide Postvention.”  It provided an opportunity for mental health professionals, first responders, school counselors, suicide loss survivors, LOSS Team members, and others from the community to learn more about suicide postvention.   The LOSS Team of the Big Bend meets regularly and can be reached for additional information by contacting Lossteam@nami-tallahassee.org.

Thank you to the many individuals who helped to make this event a great success, Many thanks to all you Bluebirds!

Bluebird Run for Brookie B
Organized by NAMI Tallahassee

Brook Bowers ended her life on January 13, 2012. She was 31 years old and diagnosed with depression and borderline personality disorder. As we remember Brook and other families, we need YOUR help to educate our community about mental illness and suicide. Come run, walk or volunteer to help our Bluebird Run be successful for years to come.

“Bluebird” Sponsor Tribute

Thank you, thank you to all our sponsors, runners and volunteers who helped make the ” 2019 Bluebird Run for Brookie B” such a success.   Held each year on Labor Day since 2015, this is NAMI-Tallahassee’s major fundraiser — with a focus on suicide prevention, support and education.  Please take the time to click on the photo below to hear why the Apalachee Center and Tallahassee Memorial Health Center continue to sponsor this event.  We ask you to link to all the sponsors below and remember to say “thank you” for their support.

 

Sustaining Sponsors
Luminary Sponsors

Advocates

Supporters
Ron & Natholyn Harris
Contributing