MHA Partners with Race Car Driver Justin Peck to Address Mental Illness Before Stage 4

Alexandria, VA –– Mental Health America (MHA) is excited to announce that it is partnering with Justin Peck, world-renowned off-road and desert driver and owner of Race Pro Technologies racing team, to bring much needed attention to the issues of mental health and addiction.

When not on the track, Peck is a mental health advocate, speaker and author whose life mission is to raise awareness surrounding mental health issues. A suicide survivor who battles class one bipolar disorder, his platform represents raw truth and passion for a movement of inspiration versus despair. Peck's autobiography "Bulletproof" shares his lifelong story that highlights bipolar disorder, addiction, depression and the daily struggles of all three diseases.

Justin Peck is an inspiration to so many who may not be able to see hope or light at the end of their dark tunnel. The metamorphosis of a mental health condition catapulted Justin Peck into a champion on the track and in life. "Bulletproof" lays out the trials and tribulations of the painful, yet powerful transition that taught him how to free his mind. Transparent and raw, Justin shares examples of courage, defeat, and lives to tell how he rose above it “to beat the beast.”

“We are excited to be collaborating with Justin, and kicking off our partnership during Mental Health Month,” said Paul Gionfriddo, MHA president and CEO. “Justin’s passion and commitment to mental health is palpable. By using his platform to discuss the importance of mental health, Justin is bringing much-needed awareness to this important and critical discussion – and showing his fans that recovery is possible.”

Justin will use his platform to talk about his own journey, and to promote important resources, like MHA’s Online Screening Program. Since its inception in May 2014, MHA has collected over 4 million screens, and today collects around 3,000 screenings daily. After completing their screening, individuals receive immediate results, education, resources and linkage to affiliates.

“I’ve always said that the helmet is my medication,” Justin says. “There’s something about being able to take my helmet and put it over my face right before I race that takes away the outside chaos and keeps me focused. It’s pretty amazing.”

Justin will also be speaking at MHA’s 2019 Annual Conference – Dueling Diagnoses: Mental Health and Chronic Conditions in Children and Adults in Washington, DC on June 15th during the 8 a.m. breakfast hour.