More Event Information

Mental illnesses occur at similar rates around the world, in every culture and in all socio economic groups. 1 in 5 young people suffer from a mental illness. Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death for ages 10-24, and the FOURTH leading cause of death for ages 15-64. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and lung disease COMBINED. These numbers are staggering.

Hailey’s Voice of Hope’s beginning was unintended, but the foundation was started following the loss of our only daughter, Hailey Acierno, on March 28, 2017, at 17-years old, due to mental illness/suicide. Part of our mission is to support organizations that raise awareness of mental illness and prevent suicide, so our foundation makes substantial donations to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).

More importantly, another goal is to develop educational programs that raise awareness and acceptance of mental illness. We are proud to have partnered with the Hillsborough County School Board and the Jordan Binion Project (http://www.jordanbinionproject.org) in bringing a one-week mental health education class to all Hillsborough County high school students. This class will help students identify signs of mental illness and help them identify available resources. Hailey’s Voice of Hope intends to expand this curriculum, so it is taught to all middle and high school students throughout the State of Florida, and beyond.

PLEASE DO NOT WAIT TO REGISTER, AS WE SOLD OUT LAST YEAR, AND HAD TO TURN PEOPLE AWAY. PLEASE HELP US TO CONTINUE OUR MISSION. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON OCTOBER 24, 2020.