City of Tampa shines green to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month

The city of Tampa had its main bridges and buildings lit up in green Sunday night to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month. The effort by the non-profit Tampa Bay Thrives is meant to raise awareness about care options, especially for teens facing a mental health crisis.

Mental health mobile response team has positive impact during first year in Hillsborough County schools

District leaders increased mental health services for Hillsborough County school students this year. Noticing the impact of COVID-19, the district added an additional 100 therapists and invested $1.4 million to create a mental health mobile response unit.

Florida’s first women's psychiatric hospital to open in Tampa

Gracepoint Wellness announced plans for the state's first women's neuropsychiatric hospital. The nonprofit’s chief operating officer said there was a growing demand for this kind of care.

Father finds children, mother dead after apparent murder-suicide, Pasco sheriff says

A father was the one who called 911 after finding the bodies of his two children and their mother after an apparent murder-suicide, according to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

Dolphins provide therapy for wounded veterans down in Florida Keys

The Wounded Warrior Project put on an event in the Florida Keys where a group of wounded military veterans had the chance to swim with bottlenose dolphins as part of an initiative to help with their mental health.

Killer Mike seeks family of man who vandalized barbershop so he ‘can get him some help’

Atlanta rapper Killer Mike said someone vandalized his barber located on Edgewood Avenue in Atlanta and while he’s mad, he said he wants to reach one of the vandal’s family members to get him the mental health he needs.

Not feeling merry and bright? That's OK, experts say

'Tis the season to be jolly, but if you or someone you know isn't feeling the Christmas spirit, mental health advocate Natasha Pierre says that's OK, and help is available.

Suicide hotline transitioning to 3-digit number: 988

People in crisis and those trying to help them will have a new three-digit phone number, 988, to reach the national suicide prevention network starting in July.

Vincent Jackson’s former teammate worries about CTE after playing football for nearly 20 years

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ahmad Black Jr. says he took a constant beating playing football and though he is concerned about having CTE, he says he will likely let his son play the sport.

Former Bucs player Vincent Jackson diagnosed with stage 2 CTE following posthumous study of brain

After his death, the family of Vincent Jackson donated his brain to get answers on what may have led up to his death in February. After months of research, they said he had stage 2 CTE.

Helpline open for parents worried about kids growing up amid a pandemic

Parents who are worried their kids fell behind developmentally during the pandemic can get free screening, services, and advice from the Child Development Infoline at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

TikTok-famous Koda the Fluff Dog visits St. Pete elementary school

Everyone knows TikTok has many corners, and anyone who’s been on the side with all the dogs has surely run across Koda the Fluff Dog. For anyone who hasn’t, you’re in luck. This adorable Pomeranian is a trained comfort and support dog, and she’s full of energy and delight – and very well-behaved.