Connection Saves Lives: Dr. Ginger Gilmore’s Boot-Check Journey with the Jae Foundation
By: Dr. Ginger Gilmore, Chief Mental Health Officer, OnBalance
This summer, I had the privilege of serving and being served by the Jae Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and awareness founded by Jason Vickrey. One of their most meaningful practices is the “Boot-Check,” a simple yet profound gesture where friends check in with one another, ask how they’re really doing, share the pressures they’re facing, and open space for honest conversations about mental health, including depression and suicidal ideation. The Jae Foundation partners with organizations across the state and region to expand access to suicide prevention resources.
The backstory of my journey began one day while working in my former role of AAD of Behavioral Health and Wellness at The University of Alabama. I was standing in the doorway of my office in the football athletic training room, when I saw a guy that I knew was not in the right place. You really can’t get back there unless you have security clearance. So, I asked this stranger if I could help him. To my surprise, he said, “Yea, I’ve lost my kid.” Well then, that’s a problem I can help with! After a thorough search, we found his son and then we began chatting. I noticed something was different about this stranger. It felt like divine intervention that we met that day.
This stranger ended up being Jason, the founder of The Jae Foundation. We had a long talk, and he explained his vision and mission that revolved around his dear friend Jae Bing, whom the world lost by suicide. I could tell the weight of the loss of Jae was still heavy with Jason as he describes: ” What if I had called to see how he was or bought him a pair of boots and just had a conversation.” So, that’s what he does, amongst MANY other things. He creates awareness and promotes conversation about mental health and suicide through a simple pair of boots.
Fast forward two years later, I received the invitation to come out and experience the Jae Foundation. My journey to the Wild West was twofold; to speak to the Twin Falls, ID community and help with student athlete retreats in Daniel, WY. I stayed in a cabin, had campfires, rode horses, branded cattle, and got serious about mental health and leadership with these student athletes from various campuses. WOW, they were so impressive and eager to help those around them who are struggling.
Now I have a new role as Chief Mental Health Officer at OnBalance. In this new role, what I loved about the trip was the ability to have “boots on the ground” with the student population, the same population OnBalance serves. The OnBalance platform can provide Care in One Place, including resources for Get Care Now, and offer a warm handoff to students who may be suffering in silence on their mental health journey.
The main part of the retreat experience was the Boot-Check challenge: making a call to someone who may be hurting. We can all do this regardless of the excuses life gives us. I made calls to some of my former athletes, and they were timely. Since my initial Boot-Check, I’ve continued to make those calls. I can say that when I get off the call, I receive more from that simple act of care than I would ever imagine. So now I can catch a glimpse of what Jason carries with him after the loss of his buddy. He carries the purpose to help those suffering in silence, those overwhelmed, and those who have lost hope. A simple pair of boots and a conversation – what an amazing vision. The Jae Foundation and all those involved care and work so hard to change lives. These people are my heroes.
So, at the start of my journey with the Jae Foundation I learned about Jae Bob Bing’s life and received my Jae Boots. I found my them in an instant – beautiful dark brown bottoms with a deep green top. I picked green for Mental Health Awareness. What better way to remember why I came out West to begin my Boot-Check journey.
The end of this journey left me with new vision, new friendships, and new purpose. I am so thankful that this stranger lost his kid (lol) and I listened to the “nudge” to ask if he needed any help…the answer was much more than a “yes.”
We can all take some time to ask the same question: “Can I help you?” The answer can be lifesaving.