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Naples, Fl – This July, David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC), Collier County’s only comprehensive, not-for-profit behavioral health provider serving children, adults and families, invites the community to share a message of hope for those with mental health or substance use challenges and all frontline workers, medical professionals, first responders and hospitality workers through its Ribbon of Hope virtual fundraiser.

Each message will be represented by a colorful ribbon tied to the branches of DLC’s enormous and sprawling Tree of Hope banyan tree on the main Golden Gate Parkway campus. The tree, planted in the 80s by clients, represents how one seed can grow into a beautiful centerpiece – unshakable even in the fiercest of storms. The ribbons represent how a strong community of donors are essential to providing and spreading hope. All of the messages will be displayed on DLCTreeofHope.org.

DLC has seen an increase in requests for services tied to depression, anxiety, substance use and other symptoms due to the unknowns of COVID-19 and the impact to their lives. As many families face financial strain and hardships, DLC expects a ripple effect in the future and stands ready to face an increase in the nation’s ongoing mental health crisis – including suicide and addiction-related events – as many people will feel disarray in their lives for some time due to the virus. Donations are desperately needed more than ever offset the increased demand for services, both now and into the future.

“Mental illness and substance use are community issues that require community solutions,” said Scott Burgess, David Lawrence Centers President and CEO. “The Tree of Hope’s roots holding up the limbs are like friends, family, and community, lifting one another up with hope. We can’t think of a better place to represent the community’s support of the healing that happens every day on this campus then on our gorgeous banyan tree. During these trying times, we welcome all to partner with us through this creative virtual fundraiser to ensure care is always available to those in need.”

Ribbons are a minimum donation of $25 and can be purchased at www.DLCTreeofHope.org. For more information, call 239-354-1445 or e-mail donorcare@dlcmhc.com.

The community is encouraged to visit DLC’s campus at their convenience in early August to see the decorated Tree of Hope, which will serve as a powerful visual and colorful reminder of a community coming together during extraordinarily challenging circumstances.

About David Lawrence Centers

Southwest Florida nonprofit David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC) is a national leader providing compassionate, advanced, and exceptional mental health, substance use, and integrated healthcare solutions, available for children, adolescents and adults. DLC’s innovative treatment includes inpatient, outpatient, residential, and community-based services – a comprehensive system of care funded by community and government support. Each year, DLC serves more than 9,800 people through over 276,000 treatment sessions. To learn more, please call (239) 491-7602.