May 15, 2026
By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
The forecast called for rain, but a serendipitous turn ushered the showers in one day early, clearing the way for the sun, a hopeful message of advocacy for those facing their own struggles, and an outdoor photo op that had been a while in the planning.
It was in the days after her son’s death from suicide in the fall of 2025 that Chris Klein happened on an ad for a T-shirt on a social media site bearing a message that struck a chord.
“You are enough,” read the T-shirt front. “Dear person behind me, the world is a better place with you in it. Love, the person in front of you,” was the message on the back.
It was something she wished her son, Jeffrey, 41, could have heard – could have taken to heart when the struggles of PTSD and trying to assimilate to a life after a 4-year stint serving in the Marines in Fallujah, Iraq, overcame him.
Chris purchased a black T-shirt with white letters from an online site and began to wear it when she was out and about.
“People would stop me on the street and tell me they loved the shirt,” she said. “It was the first time I was able to say, ‘I have this shirt because my son committed suicide.”
Sometimes others would respond in kind, sharing their own stories of pain.
Chris, a retired school teacher who now podcasts about education, decided to open up the conversation to others who might want to help spread the word.
On Sunday, May 3, 2026, about 35 friends, family members, and new acquaintances – most of them donning Dear Person T-shirts – gathered on the amphitheatre stage in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey to pose for a photograph with Chris, her grandchildren, and her daughter, Jessica.
In what was another serendipitous turn, the photo op was unknowingly scheduled at the beginning of National Mental Health Awareness Month (May 1 – 31) when suicide prevention awareness is at the forefront for organizations such as NAMI.
This small event, along with others planned in the community such as NAMIWalks Pasco (June 13, 2026 – see info below), falls in line with the work of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to turn silence into a connection, as outlined on the national website.
By sharing our lived experiences, learning from each other’s experiences, and building strong community connections, we can challenge stigma and create spaces where people are supported, understood, and find healing
“Something spoke to me that said to do this,” said Chris, who also gave out purple and blue “Suicide Awareness” bracelets to add to the conversation.
“It’s putting a visual that somebody (contemplating suicide) might see – that it will touch them, and they will not do it,” she said. “I love the focus on reaching people and letting them know that they are not alone. That they know that we’re here. That we’re friends.”
The sunny start to a day that was supposed to be rainy lends to a thought that perhaps her son can hear that now, in a way that those who feel a spiritual connection might understand. Like a red cardinal or butterfly alighting or a certain song coming on the radio during a tender moment.
Maybe Jeffrey did clear the day, Chris said.
“Even though those messages didn’t help my son while he was here. My thought is maybe he wanted that message of hope to reach someone else.”
Mental Health Awareness Facts By The Numbers (Source – NAMI)
- More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year (2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health)
- More than 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year (2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health)
- More than 1 in 7 U.S. youth ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year (JAMA Pediatrics)
- 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24 (National Library of Medicine)
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-24 (National Institute of Mental Health)
Resources
Text or call 988 to reach trained counselors who can provide help in coping with a mental health emergency and offer direction for resources for mental health and substance use treatment. Visit 988lifeline.org
988 Florida Lifeline – Free support service, available 24/7, that connects Floridians experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use disorder, mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress to a highly trained crisis counselor in their immediate area.
NAMI of Pasco County – NAMI Pasco, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that provides free support, advocacy, outreach, and education to those with mental health conditions and their loved ones. Go to the NAMI website at namipasco.org.
BayCare Behavioral Health
Premier Community Health Group
Vincent House
Florida Department of Health Pasco
- One Community Now – Benefits assistance, community sources, food, showers, and other services are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays at the One Community Now Veterans Support Center, 4620 Professional Loop, New Port Richey.
- Pasco County Vet Center, Services include confidential help for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Services include counseling for needs such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST). We can also connect you with more support in VA and your community. Connect at Pasco County Vet Center
- Florida Veterans Foundation, The Florida Veterans Foundation serves as the statewide lead organization for Florida veterans and their families by providing direct services and partnering with state and local governments, veteran service organizations, and educational institutions to improve their physical, financial, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Connect at www.helpflvets.org
- The Boley Centers: We consist of a strong 5-person team driven to provide Job/career placement assistance for veterans who are homeless or at risk. The Office is located at 5411 Grand Blvd, Ste 104, New Port Richey. Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM. The office number is 727-339-3501.
- Wounded Warriors Veterans Programs – From mental health care and physical wellness to career counseling, benefits guidance, and peer support, programs and services are designed to address the full picture of your life, all at no cost.
NAMIWalks Pasco, Saturday, June 13, at Safety Town in Shady Hills | Register at www.NAMIWalks.org/Pasco
This year’s event returns to Pasco County Safety Town for another fun-filled day of community, connection, and advocacy. Whether you walk as an individual or form a team, every step you take helps provide free mental health programs and support for those in need. egistration is free. Donations are welcome and encouraged.
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