If you’ve come in to MOD over the past few months, you might have noticed something rather —well…orange, about our stores.
From orange bandanas modeled by our fabulous MOD Squad to orange stickers on the walls and signage around the store, this bright shade of orange has a very special meaning to us. So what’s the deal with all this orange?
Orange was the favorite color of Isaac, a superstar MOD customer from Naperville, IL who tragically died by suicide last year. To help spread awareness about teen suicide prevention and mental health, we dedicated our first ever “Impact Pizza” in his memory and formed a partnership with The Jed Foundation (JED) – donating a minimum of $50,000 toward their work to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for our nation’s youth.
We wear orange not only because it was Isaac’s favorite color, but because it is a reminder to everyone that you don’t have to be an expert to get help for a friend or family member. There are resources and professionals out there waiting to help.
“Suicide prevention is a community-based issue, and all of us have a role to play,” according to Megan Kennedy, Manager of Strategic Initiatives for Student Wellness at the University of Washington.
“What matters is that we take the time to look up and engage and have meaningful connections and to check in on one another. Just let people know we’re going to be there no matter what.”
By shining a spotlight on the issues of mental health and suicide, we believe MOD can become a platform to break down stigma and elevate resources to our communities.
So what can YOU do to help? It’s simple. We challenge you to spread some MODness by reaching out to someone today and checking in on them. If you know someone is struggling, let them know you care. And listen. Really listen.
—
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available: Text START to 741-741, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit JED’s Mental Health Resource Center.
