The Haskins Family Foundation is creating space for an often-silent conversation—one rooted in grief, healing, and the courage to speak out.
On May 16, the foundation will host “Mental Health Matters – Talk Back,” a community gathering in Gaithersburg that honors the life and legacy of Dwayne Haskins Jr. while confronting the stigma surrounding mental health. The event, held at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn, doubles as a fundraiser for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one of the nation’s leading advocacy organizations.
Framed by the theme, “No, I’m Not Okay, I’m Afraid to Talk About It,” the afternoon is designed to move beyond surface-level awareness. Attendees will hear a reading from the Haskins family memoir, If You Were Still Here, followed by open dialogue around grief, warning signs, suicide prevention, and the pressures many face but rarely voice.
“We want to create a space where people feel safe to say they aren’t okay,” said Dwayne Haskins Sr., emphasizing the importance of honesty and vulnerability in healing.
The event is free, but its impact is intentional. By partnering with NAMI, the foundation is connecting storytelling with tangible resources—ensuring that those who attend leave not only inspired, but equipped.
In a world where silence often surrounds mental health, this gathering is a reminder: speaking up can be the first step toward saving a life.
