Former NFL Players and Mental Health Advocates Collaborate for Family Wellness Event in Rochester, NY

Three former NFL players, Quentin Gause, Jermaine Ponder, and Bruce Johnson, teamed up with local health advocates for a family wellness event at East High School last weekend titled “Building Family Wellness: It Takes a Village.” During the event on Saturday, Johnson thanked Gause for igniting his passion for community service post-retirement. He stressed the importance of access to resources for mental and social well-being, emphasizing that everyone faces challenges and community strength is crucial for personal growth.

Rob Riechel, a mental health counselor at RIT and owner of Novelties and Narratives Therapy, participated in the event’s panel discussion. He shared insights on navigating mental health services, breaking barriers, and embracing an intersectional approach to support individuals effectively. Riechel emphasized the importance of fostering open conversations about personal challenges and seeking help when needed, both for oneself and family well-being.

“We have so many kids in the Rochester area who want to be something in life,” Johnson said. “And not many people have made it as far as I’ve been blessed to make it. So for me to be out there and be a face in the community and to say ‘Hey, I’ve made it’ – these are the things that you have to do in order to make it as far as I did – and hopefully even further than me.”