Attitudes In Reverse® Hosts 18th Annual Contest to Expand Conversations about Mental Health

Attitudes In Reverse® (AIR®) is pleased to announce its 18^th Annual T-Shirt Design Concept Contest and is eager to receive students’ creative ideas for communicating the importance of seeking help for mental health disorders. AIR is a Princeton, NJ based nonprofit organization dedicated to educating youth and adults about mental health, related disorders and suicide prevention. Students are the main target audience because 50 percent of mental health disorders develop by the age of 14 and two-thirds of disorders develop by the age of 25. AIR aims to eliminate stigma, fear and embarrassment about mental health disorders so that individuals who experience symptoms can recognize them and be comfortable seeking help to prevent the disorders from interfering with their lives.

“We started the Annual T-Shirt Design Concept Contest in 2009 to raise students’ awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. When students wear the shirts featuring designs inspired by the contestants, they will spark important conversations. A student would ask about AIR and the conversation would naturally lead to more awareness, which, in turn, leads to a much greater likelihood that the student will pay attention to signs of mental health disorders in himself and others and take steps to get help when needed,” said Tricia and Kurt Baker, Co-founders of AIR.

Entries into AIR’s Annual T-Shirt Design Concept Contest are due March 27, 2026. The entry form is available online. All contestants will be recognized during the 15^th Annual Miki & Friends Open AIR event, which will be held in May. Details will be available soon. Prizes will be an iPad for first place and a $50 gift card for second place. The designs inspired by the winning concepts will be printed on T-shirts that the contestants and all volunteers will receive and will also be available to event attendees who donate $50 or more. The designs will also be featured on AIR’s website, air.ngo.

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Attitudes In Reverse^® (AIR^®) was established by Tricia, Kurt and Katelyn Baker of Plainsboro, NJ, in 2010, soon after their son/brother Kenny died by suicide following a long battle against severe depression and anxiety. Their mission is to save lives by educating students about mental health, related disorders and suicide prevention. Since January 2011, they have presented to more than 250,000 students in elementary, middle and high schools and colleges in New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Missouri, Texas and Arizona. AIR also offers the AIR Dogs: Paws for Minds^® program, bringing dogs into schools to help students de-stress and engage in the conversation about mental health. In addition, AIR trains and certifies Emotional Support Animals and offers a lunch-and-learn program for businesses. For more information about AIR, please visit www.air.ngo or call 609-945-3200.