Mental health awareness has never been more urgent. In a given year, estimates show one in four adults and approximately 20 percent of 13 to 18 year olds experience mental illness. Sadly, many never get the help they need. Many families simply do not recognize the signs or know where to turn to for help. So the problem goes undetected and untreated, often leading to a lifetime of pain and suffering for the person struggling and everyone around them. This lack of awareness is heart wrenchingly evident in the fact that suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the third leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds.The lack of awareness is literally killing us. But, with awareness, we have the power to change. Because realities change when cultures change and the reality with mental illness is that it is real, painful and, most of all, treatable. (Source: NAMI)

UMCH Family Services is on a mission to change the cultural attitude toward mental illness.
In an effort to create widespread awareness that hope and help are available, UMCH Family Services is launching Change Your Hue of Blue. The first event of this mission will be a Blues Music Benefit Concert.

Awareness can change lives >>
The main goal of Change Your Hue of Blue is to create a reality in our own backyard where
we go from lack of awareness about mental illness to a widespread open dialog; from families being weakened by underlying mental illness, to an understanding there is effective mental health management available. Changing the cultural reality matters to the folks at UMCH Family Services because they serve the needs of many families and children around Ohio
who experience mental health issues. These families and children now have a better chance at a stronger, more secure familial structure and a brighter future. Where the color blue no longer represent sadness  and depression but serenity and peace. This issue is urgent
and important.

House of Krauss is honored to be a contributing sponsor of this event.

UMCH Family Services’ Change Your Hue of Blue – Blues Music Benefit Concert is
May 2, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio featuring renowned Blues artists Little G. Weevil (2014 Acoustic Artist of the Year and currently a judge on Hungary’s Got Talent), Joel DaSilva and the Midnight Howl and Diunna Greenleaf and Blue Mercy (Diunna is the 2014 Koko Taylor Blues Music Award Winner, one of the highest honors in Blues music). Tickets range from $25-50 and can be purchased at www.umchohio.org