MUSCLE SHOALS — Diamond Paris Eggleston, reigning Miss Trojan Beauty 2025 and Miss Muscle Shoals Teen Volunteer 2025, proudly announces the 3rd Annual Alabama Youth Mental Health Awareness Day, set for Wednesday, May 7, 2025—the first Wednesday of May and part of Mental Health Awareness Month.
A junior at Muscle Shoals High School, Diamond launched her statewide service initiative SHINE (Sharing Hope Inspiration Now Everywhere) in 2020. Through SHINE, she has developed a youth mental health guide, raised funds for the #988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and supported nonprofit organizations focused on helping youth.
Thanks to official proclamations from Governor Kay Ivey and Mayor Mike Lockhart, Alabama Youth Mental Health Awareness Day is now observed annually on the first Wednesday of May to spotlight the mental health needs of young people. This year’s activities take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Diamond is encouraging everyone across the state to “Wear Green” to raise awareness and show solidarity for youth mental health.
“I started this initiative to let youth across Alabama know they are not alone,” said Diamond. “Together, we can break the stigma around mental health and build a compassionate community where everyone feels supported.”
Community Call to Action
All schools, organizations, and individuals across Alabama are encouraged to participate by:
- Wearing green on Wednesday, May 7, 2025
- Sharing and using the SHINE Youth Mental Health Guide, developed by Diamond to educate and empower students
Why It Matters
- 1 in 5 adolescents in the U.S. had a diagnosed mental, emotional, or behavioral condition in 2023
- Approximately 65% of mental health conditions begin before age 18
- Suicide is a leading cause of death among U.S. youth ages 10–24
These statistics highlight the importance of awareness events like Alabama Youth Mental Health Awareness Day.
Upcoming Event: Singing River 5K & 1-Mile Run
Diamond will also host the 4th Annual Singing River 5K & 1-Mile Run on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at McFarland Park in Florence, AL.
Register here:
https://freedom5k1milerun.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=15201
Proceeds benefit the #988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Center in Birmingham as well as SHINE school and community outreach programs.
The Crisis Center in Birmingham, Alabama is a vital nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential support for individuals experiencing mental health crises, emotional distress, or personal challenges. Operating 24/7, the center offers a range of services aimed at promoting emotional well-being and connecting individuals with appropriate resources.
Get Involved
To participate, volunteer, or request the SHINE Youth Mental Health Guide, please visit Diamond’s social media pages:
Facebook: facebook.com/diamondpariseggleston
Instagram: @diamondeggleston24
Media Release/Casey Eggleston
