A local nonprofit is getting $10,000 to help prevent underage and high-risk drinking.

While the license was suspended, authorities are not pressing charges

One in five children nationwide​ could have a diagnosable mental health illness.

The Little Mermaid trailer is sparking discussion about the importance of representation in shows and movies, specifically for children.

Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare is offering courses to teach the community about ways to prevent suicide.

The Suicide Prevention Council of Roanoke Valley and Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare are joining forces to focus on suicide prevention, warning signs, and reduction of the stigma associated with suicide in the Roanoke Valley, according to a joint press release.

A Roanoke man hopes his personal experience of witnessing addiction in his family will emphasize a different perspective of what drug abuse looks like to raise awareness for others.

ROANOKE, Va. Do you remember your parents putting little notes in your lunch bag as a kid? The Spread Kindness Card Campaign is a similar concept, except the notes are from you to kids in the Roanoke Valley getting free lunches. Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare and the Suicide Prevention Council of Roanoke Valley are asking people to create short, simple messages for youth. After July 21, the cards will go to Feeding Southwest Virginia to be put in the lunches they give to kids. Before you make a card you have to email Sheila Lythgoe at slythgoe@brbh.org to get guidelines for the cards and arrange a card drop-off to Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare.

ROANOKE, Va. The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, but health experts warn the next pandemic will be surrounding mental health and substance use disorders. During a virtual news conference on Tuesday, Dr. Molly ODell with the Virginia Department of Health and Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare CEO Debbie Bonniwell spoke about the toll the coronavirus has taken on everyones mental health. I think the psychological footprint of this pandemic is real and its manifesting itself in so many different ways, said ODell. Bonniwell said that the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, saw an 891% increase in hotline calls in March 2020 compared to the same time last year. For a list of mental health and substance use disorder resources and hotlines, click here.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. - September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. "I didn't know how to communicate with my family. I didn't know how to be a husband. I didn't know to, worse, be a father." If you or anyone else you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at: 1-800-273-8255.