May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Josh and Angie Mattson of Pierce want to heighten awareness and help the community they love better understand mental health issues and how to deal with them.
The Mattsons, both Pierce Rescue Squad members, said they can see their community is hurting, and it’s not just Pierce, but also surrounding communities.
“This is near and dear to my heart because I lost a brother to a suicide,” Angie Mattson said.
She said, “With the things that have been going on in the community and the rescue calls we have been getting, we feel we need to try to do something.
“Our community has been hurting and it hurts me.”
Josh Mattson, who works at Nucor, and Angie heard inspirational speaker and comedian, Big Daddy Tazz, speak to Nucor employees at a recent event. Both were moved by his message about good mental health and hope. After hearing Tazz, Josh asked the question, what if we tried to get him to come to Pierce?
Angie said, ok, let’s see if we can make it happen.
The Mattsons hit the streets, and now, with the generous support from a number of local businesses, it’s going to happen.
Angie said, “I’m very happy. I just feel very blessed to live in this community, because they support you.”
Two Shows
Big Daddy Tazz is coming to Pierce for free shows on Saturday, June 1, at 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 2, for a 1 p.m. show, both at Pierce Junior/Senior High School. The shows are free and open to everyone of all ages, from Pierce and surrounding communities.
Tazz has been described as one of the most talented comics in the business. He has been spreading his inspirational message of recovery and good mental health for more than 30 years to audiences of all ages.
Children’s Show
He also speaks to children, and has donated a special show for kids age 5-7, to be held at the Pierce Fire Hall on June 1, at 3 p.m. He will read a book called “Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Bullies” and talk to the kids about bully-proofing themselves and how words matter.
The Mattsons said, “We encourage you to consider attending the shows as a family. It is our hope that the information shared will spark meaningful conversations in your home.”
They ask that parents use discretion. “Although this is a clean show, due to the sensitive nature of mental health topics, there may be some discussion of heavy subjects which may upset some people.”
From his website: Big Daddy Tazz takes audiences on a humorous, sometimes emotional journey to challenge old belief systems, build a better understanding of mental health challenges, and re-imagine a more inclusive future.
Those who attend, who live with mental illness and stigma, will find themselves empowered, inspired, and proud of who they are. Others gain a better understanding of how stigma can negatively impact so many, pre- venting them from finding the help they seek and need.
Josh Mattson said, “I hope we can get people to show up, it’s (the event) open to everyone and every community around. There’s somebody somewhere that needs help.”
Visit Big Daddy Tazz’s website bigdaddytazz.com to learn more. Sponsors include: Pierce Rescue, Hardware Hank, Midwest Bank, Elkhorn Valley Bank, Pierce Telephone, Pierce Dental Office, and Nucor.
