Local Advocate To Make A Bold Statement On Adolescent Behavioral Health

TAUNTON, Mass. - April 29, 2024 - PRLog -- On Saturday, May 4, 2024, mental health and suicide prevention advocate Jen Hoye will lace up her sneakers at Work Out World in Taunton to run in support of Newport Hospital's new Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit (ABHU).

The event, scheduled for noon, will see Hoye donning a Dunkin' brand "Dunkings" tracksuit—made famous by actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck during their SuperBowl commercial—symbolizing her commitment to raising awareness and funds for mental health initiatives. Hoye pledged to run in the suit if she raised $500 for Newport Hospital's ABHU project—the initiative raised $750.

Hoye, the co-chair of the Massachusetts chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), is no stranger to the marathon circuit. Her dedication to the cause has taken her across the country, with each stride aimed at destigmatizing mental health issues and providing support for those in need. She has completed four marathons, fifteen half marathons, and one ultramarathon—including the iconic Boston Marathon with Team AFSP in 2021 and 2022.

"I'm thrilled to dedicate each step of this run to the important cause of adolescent mental health," said Hoye. "The establishment of Newport Hospital's ABHU is a crucial step forward in ensuring that young people in our area have access to the resources and support they need."

The unit will offer critical services to adolescents aged 12-18, filling a significant gap in mental health care in the region. The unit will provide comprehensive treatment options for adolescents struggling with various mental health challenges, offering hope and healing to families in need.

Hoye's dedication to the cause extends beyond her marathon efforts. As the founder of Healing Miles suicide loss remembrance walks and runs, she has cultivated a community of support for those impacted by suicide loss, fostering healing and resilience. She founded this program to honor her brother, Teddy Fusco, Jr., who died by suicide on May 5, 2017.

"My brother Teddy loved to make everyone around him laugh," Hoye shared. "I find it fitting that I'll be completing this run during his angelversary weekend. I know for sure that he'll be laughing at me making a fool of myself."

Members of the public are encouraged to show their support at Work Out World in Taunton on May 4.

For more information about Jen Hoye's advocacy work and upcoming events, visit Linktr.ee/JenHoye and jenniferhoye.com/miles.

# About Jen Hoye:
Jen Hoye is a mental health and suicide prevention advocate, the chair of the Massachusetts chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the founder of Healing Miles suicide loss remembrance walks and runs. She aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges through her advocacy efforts and fundraising initiatives.