Colorblasting Teens’ Mental Health Issues If You Go: Colorblast 5K ; 5K Fun Run Will Support Aevidum, Teenhope Programs Ready To Be Colorful? What…

TeenHope works to screen Lancaster County middle and high school students for depression and suicide risk.

Aevidum's goal is to shatter the shame that often is associated with mental illness.

Together, they work to create environments in which kids aren't afraid to ask for help. It's a mission to bring some light into dark places.

And some color, too.

Designed to raise awareness of mental health issues in schools throughout the county, a ColorBlast 5K, organized by TeenHope and Aevidum, will be held Sunday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m. at Manor Middle School.

It's a chance, says Julie Belser of TeenHope, to bring students together at a fun event.

It's been in the works for a while, says Belser, adding with a laugh, "Trying to find something for teenagers is not easy."

The noncompetitive event (there won't be timed finishes) is open to all ages. Runners are encouraged to wear as much white clothing as possible to provide a canvas for the nontoxic, cornstarch powder- based "paint."

Tutus? Capes? Headbands? Go for it. Organizers encourage runners to "dress to impress."

The race already has plenty of people signed up to be color- tossers - always a popular job - but registration to run the 5K will remain open until midnight on Sept. 17.

Race registration is $25, and that fee, organizers say, will have a big impact: $50 provides screening and referral for one student, according to Samaritan Counseling Center, which runs TeenHope. The fee for four runners, $100, is the cost of a counseling session for a student who has no insurance.

TeenHope began in 2013 as a pilot partnership program in Penn Manor School District, where the ColorBlast 5K is being held. It began screening ninth-grade students for depression and suicidal tendencies.

It's now also up and running at Lancaster Mennonite School and Pequea Valley, and may be in a fourth school this coming spring.

Aevidum sprang from a depression awareness club started by Cocalico students after a classmate died by suicide in 2003. Just over a decade later, Aevidum chapters exist in elementary, middle and high schools in Pennsylvania, Delaware and California, and Penn State is home to Aevidum's first college chapter.

Some statistics, courtesy of TeenHope:

Nearly 30 percent of teens in Lancaster County have felt depressed or sad most days over the past year - yet only 20 percent of those teens were identified and received services.

17 percent of all high school students have serious suicidal thoughts.

8 percent of all teens have attempted suicide.

Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for youths ages 10- 24.

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 21, 2 p.m. Check-in begins at 1.

WHERE: Manor Middle School, 2950 Charlestown Road

SIGN UP: Registration is $25, with a deadline of midnight Wednesday, Sept. 17. Race capped at 1,000 runners.

To register: http://colorblastlanc.webs.com/

No race-day registration.

IF YOU GO: Carpool if possible. Limited parking will be available at Manor Middle School and Hambright Elementary, and then overflow parking with shuttle service will be provided.

Event will be held rain or shine, though the race will be canceled if severe weather conditions exist.