St. Augustine, FL (August 20, 2024) – EPIC Behavioral Healthcare, Investing in Kids (INK!), United Way of St. Johns County, and the St. Johns County School District in partnership with four additional non-profit organizations have collaborated to bring the film “My Ascension” back to St. Johns County over multiple dates this August. This film tells the inspiring story of Emma Benoit, a 16-year-old high school varsity cheerleader who attempted suicide and is now traveling the country to share her story.
Recent research has shown a significant increase in mental health issues among teenagers, particularly girls, and a rise in teen suicides. This speaks to the importance of continued and ongoing focus on suicide awareness and prevention. To drive this initiative, eight local organizations have partnered to bring the community five screenings of the documentary, My Ascension at locations across St. Johns County, including:
- Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM – the link, 425 Town Plaza Ave., Ponte Vedra Beach
- Monday, August 26, 2024 at 6:00 PM – St. Augustine High School, 3205 Varella Ave., St. Augustine
- Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 6:00 PM – Gamble Rogers Middle School, 6250 US Highway 1 S
- Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 6:00 PM – Tocoi Creek High School, 11200 St. Johns Parkway
- Thursday, August 29, 2024, 6:00 PM – Creekside High School, 100 Knights Lane, St. Johns
“My Ascension” is a feature-length documentary that follows Emma’s journey as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film chronicles Emma’s experience of being paralyzed by her suicide attempt and her subsequent mission to use her story to help others find hope and stay alive.
The documentary also shares the stories of two young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and we learn from their families, friends, school officials, and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it. Following each screening, participants are invited to remain for a discussion on youth suicide prevention and mental wellness with Emma and local behavioral healthcare providers.
“Emma’s story captures the severity of the mental health and suicidality pandemic amongst the adolescent population in the United States. My Ascension is a serious yet uplifting story that provides hope, clarity, and support to its audience from a personal perspective.”
Saro Altinoglu, PSY.D, ROWI Teen and Parent Wellness Center
You absolutely need to see this FREE film screening of My Ascension! It’s a powerful film that advocates for mental health prevention and awareness.
Documentary Screening Dates, Times and Locations:
Sunday, Aug. 25, 2-5 p.m.
The Link
425 Town Plaza Ave.
Ponte Vedra
Monday, Aug. 26, 6-9 p.m.
St. Augustine High School
3205 Varella Ave., St. Augustine
Tuesday, Aug. 27, 6-9 p.m.
Gamble Rogers Middle School
6250 US Highway 1 S
St Augustine
Wednesday, Aug. 28, 6-9 p.m.
Tocoi Creek High School
11200 St. Johns Parkway
St. Augustine
Thursday, Aug. 29, 6-9 p.m.
Creekside High School
100 Knights Lane, St. Johns
Supporting Organizations: INK!, Epic Behavioral Healthcare, St. Johns County School District, United Way of St. Johns County, Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida, Betty Griffin Center, St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS), and the Tonya Kuc Foundation.
Media & Event Contacts: For additional information, questions, or to request an interview with Emma Benoit, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Teresa Andrews
EPIC Behavioral Healthcare
3910 Lewis Speedway Ste 1106, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 829-3295 | [email protected]
EPIC Behavioral Healthcare | Suicide Prevention (epicbh.org)
Cathy Newman
Investing In Kids (INK!)
1 Christopher Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 547-7120 | [email protected]