Therapists Take Ice Bucket Challenge to Raise Awareness for Foster Youth Suicide

Albuquerque, NM – On Friday, May 16th, at 1pm in the Healthy Families parking lot, the team at Healthy Families of Albuquerque will participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge to honor a teen who died by suicide while in foster care. This gesture is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the mental health needs of children and teens in the foster system, and to highlight the importance of trauma-informed care, accessible support services, and community collaboration.

While the challenge may look playful, the purpose is deeply serious. This isn’t about going viral, it’s about visibility. It’s about honoring the stories that don’t make headlines and the teens who need more from all of us. This teen's story reminds us of the critical need for early intervention, compassionate systems, and voices willing to speak up. No single agency or provider can do it alone, it takes all of us. When we raise awareness, we raise the bar.

While this is an internal staff event, the message is meant for everyone. Healthy Families encourages individuals and organizations to share the message, advocate for foster youth, and help ensure that every child has access to the mental health support they deserve.

As part of the initiative, Healthy Families is nominating Small Steps Child Counseling to continue the challenge and keep the message going.

For media inquiries or more information, contact:

Christine Johnsen MA, LPCC, NCC

Clinical Supervisor

(505) 288-0200

christinej @ healthyfamiliesabq.com

Healthy Families Albuquerque Ice Bucket Press Release 5.13.25.pdf

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