FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 8, 2019
Contact: Smarter Story PR
(954)-762-7000 | Media@SmarterStory.com
@SmarterStory

Thank You First Responder Launches Mental Health First Aid Program

Event Kickoff Co-Hosted by Broward County Commissioner Tim Ryan
& BrandStar Studios

~ Inaugural Training Course to Be Sponsored By The GEO Group Foundation

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. — FEBRUARY 8, 2019 — Thank You First Responder, Inc. (TYFRO), a 501(c)3 South Florida based non-profit and Broward County Commissioner Tim Ryan will launch a campaign to offer a Mental Health First Aid training course to First Responders at BrandStar Studios located in Deerfield Beach, Florida on February 15, 2019.

Event Co-Host, Broward County Commissioner Tim Ryan stated, “providing our local hero First Responder Community with training to help them successfully manage encounters with those suffering from mental illness is an important cause that I am proud to support.”

The Town Hall style meeting will feature remarks by Commissioner Tim Ryan, Sheriff Gregory Tony, a MHFA course overview by retired First Responder, Deputy Fire Chief, Michael Allora, a live performance by Singer-Songwriter Matt Jackson and the presentation of the First Annual Doug Stepelton “Culture of Thank You” Award, as well as remarks from Florida State Representative Chip LaMarca.

The GEO Group, through its Foundation, will be announced as a sponsor of the Inaugural eight (8) hour training course on Mental Health First Aid, for a Class of 20 First Responders taught by Michael Allora. The GEO Group provides complementary, turnkey solutions for numerous government partners worldwide across a spectrum of diversified correctional and community reentry services.

“Our goal with this event is to continue to raise awareness of the importance of creating a “Culture of Thank You” for First Responders, honoring those who make the ultimate sacrifice and provide resources and solutions for First Responders in their daily lives “ said TYFRO Co-Founder and Singer-Songwriter Matt Jackson.

Stan Smith, who serves as Director of Communications at BrandStar and is a TYFRO Co-Founder and Board Member remarked, “through this creative partnership with BrandStar, Thank You First Responder can now scale the MHFA training program nationwide, bringing this modern day version of CPR certification directly into the lives of more First Responders.”

The invitation only event can be viewed live on the TYFRO Facebook Page at 7:30 PM eastern time on Friday, February 15th by BrandStar’s award winning production team from their state of the art studio facilities.

Our Event Supporters

About Thank You First Responder 
Thank You First Responder non-profit organization (TYFRO) is a grassroots effort whose purpose is to raise awareness, support, celebrate, honor and most importantly create a “Culture of Thank You” to all of our Nation’s First Responders for the difficult job they do every day by putting their lives on the line to protect and enhance our country and way of life. TYFRO supports the creation of a national day of recognition by the U.S. Congress and partners with MentalHealthFiratAid.org.

For more information about our organization please visit ThankYouFirstResponder.org, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, tax I.D. number 47-2886226. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and should be forwarded to 401 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 130-516, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. #ThankYouFirstResponder.

About Broward County Commissioner Tim Ryan:
Tim Ryan was elected to the Broward County Commission, representing District 7, in November 2012. He was elected to a second term in 2016 without opposition. Tim was elected Mayor of Broward County by his fellow County Commissioners in November 2014, after serving as Vice Mayor the previous year. District 7 includes the cities of Dania Beach, Wilton Manors, parts of Davie, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, and the Broadview Park neighborhood in the Broward Municipal Services District. Before his election to the Broward County Commission, Tim served for eight years in the Florida House of Representatives, from 1998 – 2006, before leaving office due to term limits.

About BrandStar:
We’re matchmakers; connecting People to Brands to Do Life Better. BrandStar has unparalleled experience in creating customized educational content for brands with laser targeted extensive distribution through their multi-channel network ecosystem and methodology. From Original television programming on Lifetime, BrandStar.tv, social media, digital marketing, to media management and PR; BrandStar helps brands connect with the right consumer, at the right time, with the right message, through all the right channels. Visit www.brandstar.com • 3860 North Powerline Road • Deerfield Beach, FL 33073 • (844) 200-2525.

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