Greenwood District 50 Teacher of the Year Leads Race for Students’ Mental Health
2022-2023 Greenwood District 50 Teacher of the Year Leads Race for Students’ Mental Health
Here4aReason 5k supports initiative to provide counseling services to local students.
GREENWOOD, SOUTH CAROLINA – One local educator is running the race to make an impact on the mental health and wellness of Greenwood County students.
On Saturday, September 10, Here4aReason, a Greenwood-based organization that supports prevention of suicide, along with mental health education and awareness, will host its third-ever 5k race and Fun Run (8:30 a.m., Greenwood Genetics Center 106 Gregor Mendel Circle, Greenwood, SC 29646).
“In this day and age, the mental health and wellness of our students is vital for not only their learning, but their overall wellbeing,” says 2022-2023 Greenwood District 50 Teacher of the Year and Here4areason founder, Beth Justesen. “Working alongside our community to support this initiative is both an immense honor and a career highlight.”
Proceeds from the race will benefit South Carolina-based organization, Healthy Learners, in an effort to provide counseling services for students in Greenwood County and the surrounding areas.
“We’re proud to link arms alongside organizations, like Here4aReason, to provide the utmost care to our students,” says Community Manager for Healthy Learners Upstate, Aimee Clark. “Mental health makes a major impact on a student’s ability to learn – for better or worse – and it is our sincere privilege to provide this type of care to those who need it.”
Justesen founded Here4Reason in 2018 – her passion for suicide prevention and mental health began after her husband died by suicide. Runners will participate in the race in his memory.
According to a 2021 study published by the South Carolina Department of Healthy and Environmental Control (DHEC), suicide rates for youth and young adults between the ages of 10 to 24 years of age are on the rise – both within South Carolina and in the United States.
Furthermore, suicide is attributed as the second leading cause of death for those between the ages of 15–24, according to Save.org.
“These statistics are both staggering and disturbing; and the sheer numbers means that just about everyone has been impacted by a death by suicide at some point. It’s overwhelmingly tragic,” says Justesen. “It’s my sincere hope that everyone who participates in this race will join our mission, and that they know they are here, in this world, for a purpose.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideation, dial 988 to reach the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24-7.
HERE4AREASON was founded in 2018 by Greenwood-area educator, Beth Justesen, who lost her husband to suicide. Since its start, the volunteer organization has played a major role in several community cleanup and education efforts, and advocates for mental health, along with suicide prevention and education.
HEALTHY LEARNERS is a South Carolina-based organization dedicated to providing students with access to essential medical, dental and vision care. Based in Columbia, SC, Healthy Learners leads the charge for student wellness in the state of South Carolina.
