Daniel Dye Racing Announces Partnership with SMA and Who is Jay? Campaign

Daniel Dye Racing is excited to announce their new partnership with SMA Healthcare (SMA) and the SMA Healthcare Foundation’s (SMAF) Who is Jay? campaign to bring education and awareness of behavioral health services and suicide prevention efforts in the local community.

SMA and the Who is Jay? campaign will be featured on the #43 Chevrolet Silverado RST for GMS Racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.  This is part of Daniel’s philanthropic initiative, “Race to Stop Suicide,” connecting at-risk youth with mental health resources in his community and to spreading his message that suicide is not inevitable. 

Daniel and his family were particularly drawn to SMA for its programming for youth like RAP (Residential Adolescent Program), BEACH House and the Who is Jay? mental health awareness campaign managed by the SMA Healthcare Foundation. 

“We’re proud to have SMA Healthcare on board to offer additional experience and knowledge related to mental health and addiction.” Said Daniel Dye, Driver of the #43 GMS Racing Chevrolet.  “It’s important to have professionals involved in our ‘Race to Stop Suicide’, which is a cause that is really important to my family and I, as well as for our community. We’re also excited to team up with the Who is Jay? mental health campaign and look forward to working with them to further our suicide prevention efforts.”

SMA is the leading behavioral healthcare provider for adults and adolescents in Volusia County and five of its surrounding counites (Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, Marion and Citrus).  SMA’s local number, 800-539-4228, is a central point for individuals to get connected to the care that they need.  SMA is also a partner for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, answering calls and promoting the use of 988, an easy-to-remember number that connects individuals no matter where they are in the country. RAP is a substance abuse program for teens between the ages of 13-17 and BEACH House offers a short-term respite for youth 10-17 who are truant, ungovernable, or runaway and/or homeless.

“To many in our communities, talking about your mental health is not openly accepted.” said Ivan Cosimi, CEO of SMA Healthcare “This partnership is a great opportunity to remind those who are coping with mental illness, or addiction, that there are resources available and that it is okay to talk openly about needing help.  Getting the word out is one way to connect services with those in need.” 

The Who is Jay? campaign started in 2015 as a way to provide hope and resources to people in need and is funded by the Jay’s Hope Fund, a donor advised fund set up by the Ashby family after the loss of their son to suicide.  The WhoisJay.org website offers a message of hope along with hotline numbers and other resources.  The campaign hosts an annual mental health conference at the Ocean Center for both professionals and community members at large, with the next event coming up on May 10.