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Non-profit surf organization raises awareness for mental health

For surfers and survivors, OneWave is a non-profit organization that spreads awareness about mental health and provides a space for those to connect.

The organization was originated in Australia and has spread to more than 25 countries.

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American Professional Golfer Tyler McCumber learned about their mission in Australia and started a local chapter in Northeast Florida.

“I think it’s a topic that isn’t talked about nearly enough but really touches almost everyone, if not themselves but people that they love and care about,” McCumber’s sister, Megan McGraw said “We want people to know it’s okay to not be okay and it’s okay to talk about it.”

On a Friday each month, members gather for Fluro Friday at their local beaches.

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For the 6th anniversary, thousands of members went to their beaches to create a giant fluro wave to raise awareness.

The Jacksonville Chapter spread across five beaches Friday morning.

“Both myself and Tyler share personal experiences that have to do with mental health and the awareness has made us better I think in our own rights,” Cumber’s friend Spencer Brown said.

A study by the Florida Behavorial Health Association found six counties in Northeast Florida that each have at least 1,000 mental health cases. In 2018, 68% of adults with mental health did not receive treatment, which is above the national average.

McGraw said she hopes their organization encourages those to ask for help.

“A chance where people can talk and we can kind of lead them in the right direction if they need, and more just a community,” she said.

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