Ronda Rousey is using her global reach for some good these days.
The RAW Women’s Champion was involved with the launch of the new branch of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, which took place on Thursday in Los Angeles, California. The actual branch is scheduled to open on Friday, February 22nd. The UFC Hall Of Famer and Olympic bronze medalist in Judo appeared with actress Melissa Rivers, and stressed the importance of having a big sign on the street as a way to inform people that are struggling with suicidal thoughts that there is a place to go.
A press release issued on Friday noted that Didi Hirsch’s Suicide Prevention Center launched back in 1958 but this new standalone building in Los Angeles will be located at 10277 Olympic Boulevard, adding individual & family therapy to the services the Center already provides, and allowing them to nearly double the number of people that are answered on their Suicide Crisis Line.
Celebrity-gossip website TMZ was on hand to cover Rousey’s appearance at the event on Thursday. The WWE Superstar spoke with them about wanting to help eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health issues, as she feels this will help others feel comfortable reaching out for help if they are dealing with such issues.
“My message that I would give is reach out,” Rousey told TMZ. “Don’t tough it out.”
Suicide is a significant subject in the life of “Rowdy” Ronda, as both her father and grandfather died by taking their own lives and committing suicide. Rousey has worked with the Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services company for years after sustaining great fame as the first female fighter and champion in UFC history. She received the organization’s “Erasing the Stigma Leadership” award back in 2014.
Check out video highlights from Ronda Rousey’s appearance, as well as her interview with TMZ after the event below.
For more information on the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center, visit DidiHirsch.org.
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