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Mental health is not a laughing matter, but laughter can improve your mental health.
The UNM chapter of Phi Sigma Pi, a national honor fraternity, and the Agora Crisis Center join to host the Laughter is the Best Medicine Comedy Night, an all-ages benefit show for people who want to learn more about mental illness. The event features local comedians Scott Bringe, Stephen Smith, John Cuellar and Goldie Garcia.
Agora has held comedy events in the past. However, Savannah Woodward, an organizer for the event, said this is Phi Sigma Pi’s first time raising awareness for a large issue.
“We’re very excited about it and also nervous because we want it to be a success and reflect well both on us and Agora,” Woodward said.
Woodward said attendees can donate money and participate in a silent auction. She said she has a personal connection to mental illness. Woodward’s brother’s best friend committed suicide last year, and Woodward’s best friend knows of three people who committed suicide.
Woodward said she wants to help raise money for Agora to teach suicide prevention and awareness at local schools, including how to recognize warning signs and when students should get help for friends.
“It’s scary when people say ‘I don’t feel like I should be living anymore,’ ‘I’m not happy,’” Woodward said. “They give us all these warning signs and we’re not really sure how to pick up on them.”
Woodward said Agora works well with students, and raising money for a serious issue can be done in a fun way.
“Laughter has a healing power,” Woodward said. “When you have one of those moments when you can’t even breathe, it’s refreshing.”
Jeremy Jaramillo, the program coordinator for Agora, said Phi Sigma Pi approached Agora about the idea of hosting a comedy night to collect and donate money for Agora’s efforts. He said the event will give people an opportunity to have fun while learning.
“I think when we’re trying to prevent mental health issues, comedy is a great way for that and a really positive way to bring awareness to the issue,” Jaramillo said. “This way we’ll be able to bring awareness in a fun way and I think that’s the best thing to do to make people comfortable with it.”
Laughter is the Best Medicine Comedy Night
Albuquerque Press Club
Saturday 8 – 11 p.m.
$20 general public
$10 students
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Tickets can be purchased at
LBMBenefit.eventbrite.com
For donations to support the event, go to youcaring.com/nonprofits/Laughter-is-the-Best-Medicine/48667
