This weekend’s NASCAR Chicago Street Race is set to captivate thousands of newcomers to the sport, with first-time attendees eagerly watching Next Gen cars navigate the streets of downtown Chicago. This historic event aims to introduce NASCAR to new audiences and inspire a fresh wave of race fans.
Among the attendees will be Jamie Metcalf and her son, Franklin, who will be experiencing their first NASCAR race. For the Metcalf family, this event is bittersweet, as they remember their beloved husband and father, David Metcalf, a decorated Navy SEAL who tragically took his own life in 2019. David’s death highlights the urgent need for mental health support among veterans, a cause NASCAR is actively addressing through its partnership with Sound Off.
Sound Off, founded by ex-CIA officer William Negley, is a non-profit organization focused on reducing veteran suicide by providing mental health support. The organization developed a fully encrypted mobile app that offers anonymous mental health support, pairing veterans and service members with peer supporters who have shared similar experiences.
According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, 17 veterans die by suicide every day. Many of these individuals had not recently engaged with the Veterans Health Administration, highlighting the critical need for accessible and stigma-free mental health support. Sound Off aims to bridge this gap by offering a safe and anonymous platform for veterans to seek help without fear of cultural stigmatization or professional repercussions.
The app provides a unique digital identity for each user and facilitates communication with clinicians and veteran peer supporters within a protected environment. Early results are promising, with 38% of users reporting they had not previously sought help elsewhere. This anonymity is crucial in encouraging veterans to seek the support they need.
NASCAR’s partnership with Sound Off, announced last fall, is a key component of NASCAR IMPACT, the sport’s new social responsibility platform focusing on veteran services. This collaboration aims to raise awareness about Sound Off and recruit peer supporters from NASCAR’s extensive fan base. A multi-channel campaign, launched in conjunction with NASCAR Salutes Together with Coca-Cola, has already resulted in a significant increase in registered peer supporters and veterans seeking aid.
This weekend, Negley and Metcalf will be at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race to share their stories and raise awareness about Sound Off and veteran suicide. Signage with QR codes along the track will direct veterans to download the Sound Off app and register as peer supporters, further expanding the reach and impact of this vital service.
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