Last night, the Healthy Adams County Behavioral Health Task Force joined forces with the “Two Cool Dudes” podcasters to host When the Sun Goes Down, Find Your Light at Gettysburg High School (GHS). Doors opened at 6:15 PM, welcoming attendees to explore over a dozen Health and Wellness exhibitors, which remained available throughout the evening. The main program ran from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
The timing of the event was ideal, as mid-January often brings a post-holiday emotional slump for many. The event fostered a supportive environment, offering local resources and opportunities to connect with organizations such as the Adams County Office for Aging, Hoffman Homes, Mental Health-Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Program, YWCA Hanover Safe Home, Innovo Detox (A Marc Treatment Center), Phoenix Counseling Services, and TrueNorth Wellness Services.

The program featured impactful and thoughtfully crafted vignettes addressing sexual assault, depression, and suicide. Two GHS students, both members of the Hope Squad, shared their experiences helping peers while navigating their own struggles. Hope Squad members, nominated by classmates as trustworthy and approachable, undergo specialized QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training to support their peers effectively. Audience members were encouraged to ask questions throughout the evening.
Though the event was free, donations were collected for the Adams County Military Share Program and the GHS Hope Squad.
Special thanks go to Gettysburg Eddie’s, Blue and Gray Bar & Grill, and Mamma Ventura Restaurant & Lounge for providing food for the performers and guests. The success of the evening was made possible by the collaboration of Healthy Adams County, local agencies, volunteers, Gettysburg Hospital, Gettysburg High School, Community Media of South Central PA, the Weary Performing Arts group, and, of course, the “Two Cool Dudes” podcasters, whose efforts helped bring this inspiring event to life!
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Amy Thomas, Contributing Editor, is responsible for community outreach, including our social media presence. She, her husband, and her two children reside in Adams County. Amy also works in early childhood education and occupational therapy, and volunteers with local organizations.
These two are phenomenal!! Thank you for all that you do!
Agreed! Truly phenomenal!