It’s no secret that Sean Astin has a distinguished acting career, playing iconic roles in movies like The Goonies, Rudy and The Lord of the Rings. What you might not know about the talented actor, however, is that he’s also spent the greater part of his career advocating for mental health initiatives and highlighting the importance of seeking and receiving support.
Inspired by his Academy Award-winning mother, Patty Duke, who revealed her bipolar diagnosis in the 1980s, Duke would eventually become a leading advocate for bipolar disorders, writing books on her experience and traveling the world giving candid speeches about the condition during a time when mental health was not openly discussed.
Honoring his mother’s legacy, Sean Astin has used his influence as a pop culture icon to remind people living with bipolar that they are not alone.
On May 2, 2024, Astin will join Peninsula Behavioral Health’s annual gala as a keynote speaker sharing memorable stories, ideas and inspiring audiences to reflect on the importance of the work being done to help advocate for comprehensive, quality behavioral health care in Clallam County.
Angel Dennis, Development Director at Peninsula Behavioral Health, says that having someone like Astin – whom moviegoers enjoy watching – talk openly about mental health reminds people that they are not alone.
“We are thrilled to have Sean Astin as our keynote speaker for this year’s Gala,” Dennis says, “we look forward to an inspiring evening that raises awareness and support for mental health and substance use disorder initiatives.”
Tickets for the gala go on sale on New Year’s Day and can be purchased on the Peninsula Behavioral Health website.
Until then, donations are encouraged to help those receiving care. For example, consider that:
- $10 per month raises $120 and supports art therapy at Peninsula Behavioral Healths’ Respite Center.
- $25 per month raises $300 and supports art and music therapy for the Horizon Day Center.
- $100 per month raises $1,200 and provides essential therapy for an underinsured person
- $50 supplies one outfit for someone stabilizing at our Respite Center.
- $70 supplies one day of hot lunches at the Horizon Day Center.
- $350 supplies hot lunches for a week at the center.
By helping be apart of the change, here are some of the ways you can make a difference:
Walmart Spark Good Registry – You can now donate to Peninsula Behavioral Health through the Walmart Spark Good registry. Make a meaningful impact by donating essential items directly to those who require them most.
Donating to Peninsula Behavioral Health – Your donation, no matter the cost, helps provide a warm meal as well as art and music therapy or those receiving support at P.B.H’s Horizon Day Center.
Find out more about Peninsula Behavioral Health’s counseling and crisis intervention services online by visiting peninsulabehavioral.org
