Lake Travis HS football player putting spotlight on mental health

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Mental health can be a difficult topic to discuss with others, but the Lake Travis ISD is putting this topic front and center.

“We have to talk about it,” said Amelia Floyd, president of Engage and Heal Foundation. “The problem is not talking about it.”

Engage and Heal Foundation is working with Robby Belmarez, a Lake Travis High School football player, to put a spotlight on mental health.

“So we had the idea that every long snap that we do, people could pledge to donate money for each snap and the money goes towards mental health awareness, other programs, and Engage and Heal Foundation,” said Belmarez.

Those who are interested can pledge any amount.

• Donate to the Snaps for Mental Health program

“With the Snaps program, we are right at around $1,500 or so, but people can donate all the way through playoffs,” said Floyd.

In recent weeks, Lake Travis ISD has been one of many school districts around the nation to receive school threats.

These threats can cause depression or anxiety, but reaching out for help and talking to someone can help, that’s why the school has dedicated resources and counselors to help.

“Since the pandemic mental health has had an all-new twist to it and it is a lot more prevalent as far as people keeping an eye on it, watching our kids and watching our staff,” said Paul Norton, LTISD superintendent.

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