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WNBA Indiana Fever

Choices for Champions Promotes Healthy Life Choices, Anti-Bullying Techniques, Self-Esteem

May 27, 2015 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Indiana Fever News Release


Indianapolis-According to research from the Indiana Youth Institute, Indiana has the highest rate of students who have contemplated suicide (19%) and the country's second-highest rate of students who have attempted suicide (11%). To combat these alarming numbers, Community Health Network is sponsoring the Indiana Fever's annual "Choices for Champions" program aimed at curbing bullying and encouraging healthy life choices. The event takes place on May 29 at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. More than 3,000 students in grades 3 through 8 will attend the event that begins at 9:45 a.m., prior to the Fever pre-season game vs. the Washington Mystics at noon.

"One of the ways we can fight teen suicide is to talk about it early and provide children with the tools they need to live healthy lives," said Suzanne Clifford, executive vice-president of behavioral health at Community Health Network. "Children need positive role models like members of the Indiana Fever, who share their insight and experience to help students make good choices in their own lives. This year, Community Health Network is sponsoring this event and integrating our Behavioral Health services, specifically the Zero Suicides Initiative."

A program begins at 9:45 a.m. with the following speakers:

- Kim Walton, MSN, APRN, Chief Clinical Officer for Behavioral Health Services at Community Health Network

Walton will speak about Community's Zero Suicides Initiative and the text-for-help technology made possible from a grant offered by The Glick Fund, a fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation. Community Health Network will also have adolescent counselors on site during the event to talk with students and teachers.

- Camishe Nunley, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Trauma Specialist, owner Healing Your Hidden Hurts (HYHH)

The HYHH program, Building Resiliency in Children (B.R.I.C.) is based on empowering children, adolescents and young adults. Nunley will speak about the B.R.I.C. program which teaches schools how to implement procedures and programming to help create a safe and positive atmosphere that doesn't tolerate bullying.

- UFC Legend Chris "Lights Out" Lytle Rise Up Against Bullying

Lytle is a fourteen-year member of IFD and a retired American Mixed Martial artist, boxer and veteran UFC Champion. Lytle will talk about the importance of strength, discipline and resilience in battling bullies. He has released his book, "Lights Out on Bullying" to help others.

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