"Hair-Raising" Fundraiser for NPSN

Have you ever wanted to do something a little bit (okay, a lot bit ) out of your normal wheelhouse to raise money for a cause or organization you believe in? For me, this is it and I need your help to make the difference. I am raising money to benefit Nurses Peer Support Network (NPSN), and while any donation will help make an impact, I am hopeful you might consider doubling up the amount. My wish is to raise at least $5000 in the next 3 weeks.

In exchange for surpassing (or even coming close to) my goal by 9/8/23, I will have my entire head of hair dyed a bright purple, wearing it that way until it grows out in a few months. Why dye my hair a vivid color you ask? Because most of my life I have made choices to fit in instead of standout and I’m taking the risk to ask for your help. This is how much I believe in the work NPSN does in supporting nurses with mental health issues, specifically substance use disorder. Some may ask, Why purple and why in September?” The color purple was adopted as the color of recovery in 1989 for national recovery month. Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services do enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. In addition, September 9th, 2023 is the Walk for Recovery at the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds, so my “new hair-do” can make a splash and “debut” at the walk. I am living proof that recovery works, as a nurse in long-term sobriety for more than 14 years.

More information about Nurses Peer Support Network (NPSN): NPSN provides direct support for nurses by nurses recovering from substance use disorder while educating about SUD to nurses, nurse employers, organizations, and nurse educators. Minnesota is home to more than 150,000 licensed nurses. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a chronic disease that afflicts one in ten people in the general population and perhaps more among nurses because of the number of high-risk factors associated with the profession. NPSN is run entirely by dedicated volunteers and one very part-time executive director, which ensures any money donated goes to support the mission. Here's the link to further check out NPSN https://www.npsnetwork-mn.org/.

Since 2020, the Covid pandemic exacerbated nurses’ mental fatigue, leaving even more nurses vulnerable to developing this disorder. The money raised will help support outreach measures in Minnesota to raise awareness of NPSN and educate the public, nurses, and organizations of the disease in the profession. It will also help address the stigma associated with substance use disorder in nurses.

Please join me in my “Hair-Raising” fundraiser for NPSN and donate now.

In gratitude,

~Carrie