Fundraiser at O’Connor’s to Support Early Detection of Mental Illness in Children

Research shows that half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

As part of Mentally Healthy Norfolk month, there is a special event to help encourage early detection and treatment of mental illness in children. The 5th Annual Chas Foundation Celebration is Oct. 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at O’Connor Brewing Co.

All proceeds will benefit CHKD’s REACH program, which provides training for pediatricians to diagnose and treat mental illness in children.

It’s an area of medicine that needs support — it is estimated that only about seven percent of youth who need services receive appropriate help from mental health professionals, according to the American Psychological Association.

The Chas Foundation was established in 2012 in memory of Charles Kirkwood (Chas), who suffered from bipolar disorder and ultimately lost his life to suicide. Kevin O’Connor, owner of O’Connor Brewing Co., was close friends with Chas. Hosting the Chas Foundation Celebration is one way to honor his friend, and also, to help prevent more tragedies.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

About Mentally Healthy Norfolk Month

Mentally Healthy Norfolk Month is an effort to lower the stigma around mental health, and to encourage those impacted to seek the help they need, and the long-term healing plans that will facilitate their long and happy lives. It aims to inform and empower the community through a series of workshops, public service campaigns, and educational events designed to foster mentally healthy conversations in our community, and beyond. The initiative is a collaboration between leaders in Norfolk public health, nonprofits, government, public education, higher ed, faith, and media.

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Karen Pinkston

Karen Hopkins Pinkston is passionate about using media to bring positive change to the world. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ohio University’s Scripps School of Journalism, and reported and anchored television news for KTAL-TV in Shreveport, LA and WVEC-TV in Norfolk, VA. Pinkston is an Associated Press award-winning journalist who focused on investigating public education. Pinkston was the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Communications Director, managing media relations and outreach programs to reduce recidivism. She was the campaign manager for the Bob McCabe for Norfolk Mayor in 2016. Pinkston is currently attending Georgetown University's Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations and Corporate Communications program.