Estimated duration: 4-5 minutes

Logan — Why should you bring a friend to an Alex Boyet concert on Monday night? It’s free and might save your friend’s life.

Headlined by Utah entertainer Alex Boye, this is the second year that Cache County is heading to “Ignite the Light.” Cache County executive David Zuk said last year’s event drew thousands of people, making meaningful follow-up the most valuable. He said he valued the opportunity to talk about the emotional load, including many first responders who have served with.

This year, the Cache County Fairgrounds at 450 S. 500 West in Logan will open at 5 p.m., giving attendees more time to visit booths aimed at providing mental health resources and other assistance. According to Zuk, people are unaware of the number of places offering counseling and intervention services.

“We know that when people are struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, they are much more likely to have a positive outcome if they can get in touch with resources.

According to Margaret Gittens, who organized the event, people called large organizations like Bear River Mental Health and were told they didn’t have appointments, but they could find smaller ones that were available. There are private clinics and dozens of them will set up booths to introduce people to their mental health services. Gittens said she was surprised by the number of private practitioners available in the Valley.

First responders from police, fire and other emergency medical services are invited to join a private group at the event center just as the booths are out. was held.

Alex Boe, who has been outspoken about his own mental health struggles, sang a song to the group, put his hand on his shoulder and talked, according to Gitens, “Are you okay? You need to go home.” Several first responders opened up and asked for help, then told Zook how grateful they were for the setup that helped start the discussion.

“These guys are warriors,” Boie told KSL.com. He said these strong men and women may not want to show their emotions publicly because they may have been seen as weak. It is done.

Boyé will be on stage at 7pm. With no opening act for him this year, he’s set aside two hours for booth dialogue, and he’ll have Boyé on stage earlier than last year’s 10pm start time. Boyé intends to do more of the same by singing with his band, engaging with crowds, and delivering his message of hope. He says he plays positive music to make people feel good, and he doesn’t care what time he goes.

People who struggle with mental illness often don’t realize they need help.

– Bert Esplin

Bert Esplin lost his son Tyler to suicide in 2018. He said it’s important for people to know they’re not alone.

Tyler Esplin is 27 years old and has been battling depression for years. His father said the difficult thing when someone is in a pre-suicidal state is knowing where to go.It’s been four years since his son died and he’s getting more recognition. , says Bert Esplin, gaining even more momentum.

“I think people who struggle with mental illness often don’t realize they need help. said.

Suicide is the leading cause of death among teenagers in Utah, and suicide by middle-aged men is becoming more common, Zuk said. Bert Esplin said that asking his friends and family about possible suicidal thoughts never brought an idea to mind. If they appeared, they were already there.

It was hard for the young Boyet. He said he used to hide mental health issues, but his therapist told him he needed to talk about them.Healing comes from liberation. He shared his struggles and wanted to show that we are in the same boat. You can give it permission to open.

“All my songs are about celebrating life. I want to talk about good things,” Boye said. He said there were young people last year who didn’t want to come to the event, but he didn’t want to leave after going through it.

This event is made possible by community donations.

Gittens calls the event a “Celebration of Life” and wants people to know there are other people like you. She encourages everyone to reach out and ask for help.

And a free concert by Alex Boyé might spark that conversation.

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