Guinness World Record Attempt Focuses on Mental Health

Columbus, OH, November 08, 2017 --(PR.com)-- A sea of red shirts will descend on The Ohio State University on November 15 to break a Guinness World Record while raising awareness for mental health.

More than 1,000 students and community members are expected to create the world’s largest human smile formation at OSU’s Lincoln Tower Park (next to the Ohio State Stadium). Ability to Engage, a consumer research and business innovation firm, has partnered with OSU’s Buckeye Leadership Fellows for the event, designed to promote positivity and emotional well-being.

“I hope that this event highlights the importance of teamwork and community support as it relates to mental health and wellness,” says Megan Simmons, BLF project manager for the event. “Sharing wellness tips and ‘reasons to smile’ strengthens community bonds, and can encourage discussions about how OSU students maintain their own mental and physical wellness.”

Approximately one in five American adults experience mental illness in a given year and one in three college students report prolonged periods of depression, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Seventy-five percent of all mental health conditions begin before age 24.

Attendees should wear red shirts to the 2 p.m. event, which is open to students as well as the public. The afternoon will include giveaways, a photo booth and refreshments. Participants are encouraged to share stories and photos on social media using #ISmileFor.

The event is free, but tickets are required to verify the Guinness World Records count. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/guinness-world-record-for-largest-human-smile-formation-tickets-39460249669 to register.

The Buckeye Leadership Fellows Program builds transformative experiences for undergraduate students in partnership with alumni and community leaders. Visit blf.osu.edu for more information.

Ability to Engage is an award-winning firm of creative thinkers and strategists that build and catalyze deeper, more meaningful connections with audiences. A2E helps brands develop marketing communications, product ideas, brand strategies and consumer segmentations. The A2E team also develops and facilitates innovation sessions, strategic meetings and team effectiveness workshops. Clients include start-up companies, international government groups, and some of the world’s largest and most respected companies in brand and marketing, such as Clorox, ConAgra Foods, McGraw Hill, PepsiCo, Pfizer and Procter & Gamble.