Shifting Gears: A Lifeline for Mental Health in Miami County

In a recent interview, Peter Murphy Lewis—President of the Miami County Community Foundation—had a sit-down with BJ Thomas Wilson. She is the resilient heart and soul behind a transformative initiative based in Miami County, Kansas, known as Shifting Gears for Regan.

“Shifting Gears for Regan started after we lost our daughter, Regan, in December of 2017,” shared Wilson. “We learned that there needed to be more discussions around suicide prevention and mental health.”

Regan’s struggle with anxiety was what led to the unthinkable disaster—a reality BJ believes could have been prevented with a greater societal understanding of mental health. As a tribute to Regan’s fervor for four-wheeler racing, Shifting Gears adopted its impactful name. Now, the fund not only stands as a beacon of hope in the mental health landscape but also serves as an ally to similar foundations in rewriting the narrative around mental health.

Shifting Gears has ignited the mental health conversation in both Miami County and Johnson County, instilling awareness in a society still coming to terms with its understanding of mental health. One of Shifting Gears‘ flagship programs involves mentoring teenagers from various school groups to identify peers struggling with mental health and guide them toward trusted and knowledgeable adults for further assistance. However, Wilson believes that progress could be faster.

“There’s still within small communities, especially in more rural communities, a stigma attached to mental health.” shared Wilson. “Some of these communities still struggle with accepting the idea that mental health is equal to physical health, and we need to treat it as such.”

Their dedication does not stop with advocacy. Shifting Gears goes beyond raising awareness and contributes to the cause in tangible ways, such as offering a scholarship to graduating seniors at Paola High School. This scholarship fosters open conversations about mental health by encouraging recipients to pen their experiences and struggles, thereby destigmatizing the topic.

Empowering Young Minds with Tools for Mental Health

Another cornerstone of Wilson’s initiative is the ‘Give Me 20’ program, co-created with Sylvia Harrell. This unique program starts with a candid discussion about mental health and suicide prevention and unfolds into a workshop.

“We go into schools, and we present just a brief conversation about mental health and suicide prevention,” said Wilson. “It’s hard to be a teen; it’s awkward to talk about mental health and all of those things.”

During workshops, participants engage in introspective activities to create a ‘life box,’ which is a tangible testament to their journey. The success of this initiative is undeniable as almost 12,000 youngsters have benefited from this transformative program to date.

At the heart of ‘Give Me 20’, and indeed, all of Shifting Gears’ efforts, is the fostering of open conversations about mental health. Wilson believes in the power of honesty, acknowledging that young individuals often veil their struggles to avoid worrying their parents. One poignant activity involves participants penning a note to a loved one, expressing their importance and value.

“We ask them to write a note to someone they care about,” shared Wilson. “It can be a parent, it can be a sibling, a friend, it can be a teacher, can be a coach, we ask them to write a note and tell them why they matter.”

This exercise has spurred profound connections and encouraged open lines of communication between children and their parents. As for feedback, it has been resoundingly positive, with parents reporting that Shifting Gears has sparked essential home conversations about mental health that might have remained unvoiced otherwise.

Thanks to her partnership with the Miami County Community Foundation and a donor-advised fund, Wilson can direct her energy toward the educational components of her programs. She doesn’t have to worry about funding paperwork and management, as it’s all taken care of.

This strategic move minimizes administrative distractions and allows her to focus on her mission: making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and parents.

Support the Journey With the ‘Passport Cruise’

As we conclude our in-depth exploration of Wilson’s Shifting Gears for Regan, we focus on an event that merges fundraising and community engagement: the Shifting Gears for Regan Passport Cruise.

“The Shifting Gears for Regan Passport Cruise is, in my humble opinion, the best day of the year,” said Wilson. “The very first year we had a fundraiser, we did it as a motorcycle ride with a dinner at an auction at the end.”

This year, the adventure kicks off at the Louisburg Cider Mill, where participants receive a passport for their journey. From here, the voyage weaves its way through an array of diverse locales – wineries, breweries, farms, and schools, offering a buffet of activities suitable for families and friends alike.

Each stop offers participants a stamp on their passport, which equates to raffle tickets for an exciting giveaway at the tour’s grand finale. The journey culminates in a celebratory bash at the Somerset Schoolhouse, featuring delicious catering from local food trucks like Bull Creek Barbecue.

Embodying the spirit of community and participation, this event welcomes everyone to lend their support.

“The way people can support us is, number one, attending the event because who doesn’t like to have fun,” explained Wilson. “Tickets start at $30, and you can buy single tickets, you can buy tickets in pairs, or we even have a party pack, which is 10 tickets.”

For those unable to attend but still eager to contribute, options abound. Generous individuals and businesses can donate prizes for the raffle or become event sponsors. Every donation, no matter how big or small, propels Shifting Gears one step closer to its goal.

By participating in the ‘Passport Cruise’, you’re not just embarking on a journey through beautiful landscapes but are also navigating a path towards creating safer, healthier spaces for our young generation. Together, we can shift gears and drive towards a brighter future.

To learn more about the ‘Passport Cruise’, including how to secure tickets, make a donation, or sponsor the event, please visit the organization’s website at shiftinggearsforregan.com