Statistics show that 1 in 5 adults have a mental illness. Although the statistic is staggering, the topic is not widely discussed, leaving many without the help or support needed. In 1949 the Mental Health America Organization began raising awareness by deeming May National Mental Health Awareness Month. The Rushville community embraced the May initiative to raise awareness and let those in the community silently battling Mental Illness know they are not alone.
In 2021, former Rushville Resident Drew Hahn led this initiative when he moved back to Rushville after living in California and working with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Hahn was born and raised in Rushville, and by around the age of 16, he began having numerous physical health issues. Hahn's time in the hospital left him feeling isolated from friends and family, and his mental illness quickly ensued. Hahn attempted to commit suicide the first time in 2012 at 18 and again at 19. Hahn's last attempt was in 2016. Hahn shared what made him feel suicide was the best option. "I had felt the best parts of me were gone, the parts that people loved," Hahn shared. "I was unable to make people laugh. I was unable to love my family like they deserved or be a good friend like my friends were to me. I felt like I was a burden more so every day was a nightmare of thoughts I couldn't stop. I didn't want to live like that but had no idea how to change."
After Hahn's last attempt at suicide, he was taken to Rush Memorial Hospital, where his life was saved. It became a turning point for Hahn as he made significant strides in battling mental illness and advocating for others. Although Hahn was on a path to recovery, he still struggled. Even as he advocated for others, he found himself amid an episode. Hahn didn't share with anyone he was struggling at first, feeling it was almost hypocritical if he did. But, Hahn knew he had to reach out in order to stay safe.
"I had stopped taking my medication prior, I felt better, so I didn't need it," Hahn shared. "As the days passed and my symptoms worsened, I knew it was time to use the tools I had been given along the way to stay safe. I referred to my
safety plan, first calling my mom and letting her know, 'I'm not good, I'm not safe, and need help.' She drove to Broad Ripple to stay with me as I contemplated checking myself into the psychiatric center. No words were exchanged for a day or two,
 but a lot of tears as I was unsure why "this" was happening again." 
After Hahn's last psychiatric stay, he realized it was okay he still needed help, which was another positive step in the right direction.
"Yes, I had been doing the work thinking I understood, but I didn't grasp that it was going to take more than a few speeches. This is a lifetime of work. I didn't grasp that as much as the work made me feel better for a short time; I needed the meds, the therapy, and self-care. I wasn't practicing what I was preaching. I wasn't accepting that I was living with a mental illness."
When Drew heard there was an opportunity to pursue the career he loved in the town where he was from and at the hospital he attributes his life to, he knew it was time to help others struggling in his hometown.
After returning home to work as a Mental Health Lead at Rush Memorial, Drew started the conversation with Mayor Pavey about making May 5 Mental Health Awareness Day in Rushville. Pavey was in complete support, and a proclamation was signed, deeming May 5 Mental Health Awareness Day in Rushville. In addition, this year, Hahn reached out to the county commissioner with another idea to raise awareness, light up the courthouse tower clock green, the official color of Mental Health Awareness Month on Mental Health Awareness Day in Rushville.
As Hahn continues to advocate and support others, he shared,
“My favorite question to ask, and I am biased because I have been there; as a peer support specialist, I ask a lot how can I show up for you today, and how can I support you? I live with a mental illness, yes, but I can still make decisions for myself, but I know how I need that help. But, also, if you have a friend or family you think you are unable to help, reach out. Pass it along. If you see something, say something because some of us know what to do and want to help."