Terrell Davis at Conifer High School for the Rising Together mental health event.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis Inspires Colorado Students and Promotes Schoolwide Mental Health Screening Program
On April 30, Super Bowl MVP and Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis visited Conifer High School in Colorado to connect with students and help launch the Rising Together Schoolwide Mental Health Screening™ program. During his visit, Davis shared personal insights and encouraged students to build mental resilience, framing success as something that starts from within.
The event was part of a broader national movement to introduce Rising Together, a groundbreaking initiative that empowers schools, families, and youth to identify mental health challenges early and take meaningful, supportive action. The program is a collaborative effort between Possibilities for Change, J&B Medical, and the Ray of Hope Foundation, and in Colorado, is funded by the Behavioral Health Administration as the 6th–12th Grade Mental Health Screening Program.
Real-Time Impact at Conifer High School
Davis’s message of mental toughness and self-belief made an immediate impression—especially on the Conifer High School girls’ track team.
“I was going through my race plan and thinking to myself, ‘No matter what happens, it’s the same race … It’s just a little bit higher stakes this time,’” said Indyca Fleury, a member of the team. “It kind of shifted my thinking … to take that anxiety and turn it into excitement and really use it as fuel for that race. It kind of helped me reel myself back in. Thank you, Terrell, for everything. We really appreciate it.”
That same day, Fleury set a personal record, and the team broke the Jeffco League 4×800-meter relay record with a time of 9:38—ranking them second in the state.
Davis on Mental Health and the Power of Support
“I know what it’s like to feel alone and face anxiety, both on the field and off,” said Davis. “But what got me through those tough times was the support and belief of others. The Rising Together initiative is about providing that support to young people who need it most. We’re not just giving them tools to succeed in sports, but in life. Together, we can empower youth to take the necessary steps toward a healthier, more successful future.”
The Rising Together Screening Model
The Rising Together Schoolwide Mental Health Screening™ program helps identify youth ages 8–18 who may be at risk of mental health challenges—before they reach a crisis point. Using a secure, trauma-informed digital platform, the program facilitates private, judgment-free conversations between students and trusted adults.
The need for this early identification is urgent. A recent case study from Colorado schools found that 20% of students screened required immediate intervention.
“This initiative is a game-changer. By empowering schools to connect with their students on a deeper level, we’re not only identifying at-risk students but also providing them with the support they need to thrive,” said Dr. Jennifer Salerno, Founder and CEO of Possibilities for Change. “Rising Together connects, identifies, and empowers students, families and school staff to take meaningful action toward improved mental health and academic success.”
Technology & Partnership Driving Real Change
Through our collaboration with Possibilities for Change and the Ray of Hope Foundation, we’re working to ensure schools have the tools and insights they need to support student mental health in real time.
“Our partnership with Possibilities for Change and Ray of Hope Foundation is a pivotal moment for us in advancing technology-driven solutions that make a tangible difference in the lives of students,” said Stephen Shaya, M.D., Executive Leader at J&B Medical. “We’re proud to play a key role in helping schools quickly identify students in need and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.”
“We’re honored to partner with Possibilities for Change and the Ray of Hope Foundation on this important initiative,” said Mary Shaya, Chief Executive Officer of J&B Medical. “The pandemic highlighted how, along with many adults, a growing number of children are suffering in silence from mental health issues. In response, we’re doing our part to give all kids a safer, healthier, more successful school experience, with a shared goal of screening more than one million youth over the next five years.”
A Shared Commitment to Youth Mental Health
The Ray of Hope Foundation, founded by Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, is another key partner in the program. A lifelong advocate for youth, Lewis brings a personal connection to the mission of mental health awareness.
“It’s about making sure that no child has to struggle in silence,” said Lewis. “Through our partnership, we’re offering a lifeline to young people who may otherwise not have access to the resources and support they desperately need.”
With one in three students reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness, programs like Rising Together are answering a critical call for help. Through early identification, schoolwide involvement, and community-based support, this initiative is setting a new standard for how we approach youth mental health in America.
To learn more about the Rising Together Schoolwide Mental Health Screening™ program, visit: