The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation (HCHF) is proud to present a dynamic community mental wellness event “Lessons from a Secret Warrior.”
Featured speaker Joanne P. McCallie is a mental health advocate and NCAA D1 Hall of Fame Basketball Coach (Pictured at the top of article).
The event will be on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Highlands Performing Arts Center (PAC). There will be no charge for the event, but reservations are required.
Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age thirty, McCallie learned how to manage her mental health and flourish during her 32-year coaching career.
The 2005 Associated Press National Coach of the Year, “CoachP” led Duke, Michigan State, and Maine to over 600 wins before leaving the arena in 2020 to turn her full-time attention to mental health advocacy. Now a nationally recognized speaker, she shares her story to inspire and educate others on “how to win without losing yourself.”
“CoachP is vulnerable and transparent,” said Mike Krzyzewski, Hall of Fame men’s basketball coach at Duke University. “She shares personal coaching stories throughout a very successful head coaching career regarding mental wellness, personal growth, team loyalty, and thriving with her teams through adversity.”
According to a report titled “The State of Mental Health in America” (an annual report from Mental Health America), 19.86% of adults in the U.S. are dealing with some form of mental illness. In North Carolina, specifically, the rate is 16.37%.
According to “US News and World Report,” 15.4% of adults in Macon County and 15.8% of adults in Jackson County live with frequent mental distress.
At a time when so many of all ages are experiencing some type of mental health concern, Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is committed to raising awareness, reducing the stigma, and bolstering resources to address growing needs across the communities we serve.
“We are excited to welcome CoachP to our community and to this feature event” said Robin Tindall, CEO and Executive Director of the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation. “She has such an amazing story and remarkable enthusiasm to share her journey. In the current climate of mental health in our society, we need more advocates like CoachP. We are so fortunate to have her here.”
Reservations for tickets are required. To reserve your spot at the PAC visit www.HCHealthFnd.org, www.highlandsperformingarts.com, or the PAC Ticket Office at 828.526.9047.