Crash survivor addresses mental health

Crash survivor addresses mental health
Posted on 04/21/2022
Joe Hall speaks to BHS students.

Bellefontaine High School students heard an inspirational message regarding mental health this week.

Motorcycle crash survivor Joe Hall spoke candidly about suffering from depression as a youth and adult.

He addressed service learning students along with administrators in the BHS Auditorium.

Hall, who graduated from Greenon in 2001, is prepping for a cross country walk to promote mental health and suicide prevention.

Hall shared the effects of being bullied since 5th grade.

Despite being a four-sport athlete and show choir member, he felt alone in high school.

He called himself a “doormat” for everyone else during his adult years.

This lack of self-worth eventually caused him to get fired a few years ago.

In September 2020, Hall’s life nearly ended in a motorcycle/dump truck crash in Dayton.

He considered suicide shortly after the accident.

After recovering, Hall performed some impressive physical feats.

The former college wrestler and high school wrestling coach decided to run a marathon.

Hall, who weighs 315 pounds, competed in the Columbus Marathon in October 2021.

Hall said he finished in last place, but did finish.

A month later, he ran an ultramarathon in Arizona.

Hall was in excruciating pain, but willed himself to finish the 52-mile, 2-day race.

He raised over $2,200 for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Toy Drive by running the ultramarathon.

Hall’s latest challenge is much bigger in mileage and meaning.

He wants to walk across the country to raise awareness for mental health.

The former MMA fighter will leave Rehoboth Beach, Delaware on May 15th.

His goal is to reach San Francisco by his 40th birthday on November 22nd.

Hall hopes to average about 17 miles per day on his 3,000-mile journey.

He’s expected to be walking through Fairborn in mid-June.

You can see more on his path at https://discoverytrail.org/

Hall has put together a website explaining his walk and mission for suicide prevention at https://www.hallacrossthecountry.com/

One of Hall’s close friends lost her son, Jaxon, to suicide two years ago.

Jaxon was a cross country runner at Tecumseh High School.

Any funds raised during his solo venture will benefit Dayton Children’s Hospital and “Run a Mile for Jaxon.”

The goal is to raise $50,000.

Finally, Hall urged BHS students to seek help if they’re dealing with mental health challenges.

He delivered two powerful quotes in his speech.

Hall said, “The greatest currency is the effect you have on somebody.”

He added, “To make a real difference in life, you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Teacher Rick Reed is the coordinator of the service learning program at Bellefontaine High School.

The service learning students are raising funds to support Hall.

If you would like to donate, contact Reed at [email protected]

Photo: Joe Hall speaks to BHS students in the auditorium about his mental health challenges and quest to walk across America this summer.
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