FRANKFORT, Ohio — A community-driven campaign is gathering momentum in Chillicothe as locals rally together to promote mental health awareness and support first responders. The initiative, spearheaded by Eric and Megan Kocheran through a newly created non-profit offers participants a chance to win enticing prizes, including a free 30-minute massage from Heather Walker, LMT, and two tickets to a home game at the Chillicothe Paints Stadium.
The Kocheran name may sound familiar to many. Eric Kocheran is a Sergeant with the Ross County Sheriff’s office and was ambushed by a gunman in November. Kocheran was shot while on-duty and spent weeks in the hospital recovering. He has yet to return to work due to complications and impact from the shooting. However, while Kocheran works through his rehabilitation — physically, mentally, and emotionally — he and his wife have launched a foundation to help other law enforcement and their families who may go through tragedy: The Kocheran Foundation.
At the heart of the organization’s kick-off fundraising campaign are “Cover Me” shirts, produced locally by Chillicothe Signs and Screenprint. The shirts are available in two variations: a blue line design representing support for local law enforcement agencies, and a red line design symbolizing solidarity with fire crews; they may be purchased online or in-store. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the shirts will be donated by the Kocheran Foundation to Little Blessings — another non-profit — in Ross County, enabling the organization to assist local law enforcement with their diverse needs. Similarly, funds generated from the sale of red line shirts will benefit Box 65 in Pickaway County, providing support to local fire crews during prolonged exposure to challenging fire-fighting conditions.
To encourage participation and engagement, the campaign is devised in two methods to enter for prize drawings while getting a shirt and helping a good cause. Those vying for the Chillicothe Paints tickets are invited to upload a photo of their purchased “Cover Me” shirt to a dedicated Facebook thread and share the campaign post. Meanwhile, individuals interested in winning a rejuvenating 30-minute massage from Heather Walker should upload a screenshot of their “Cover Me” shirt order and share the post. The winners will be announced in a separate post on the foundation’s page following the drawing, scheduled for Wednesday evening, five days from now.
The significance of the “Cover Me” shirt campaign is deeply personal to its organizers. It serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by first responders, like Kocheran, highlighting the importance of addressing mental illness.
“Additionally, the campaign aims to shed light on the tremendous stress experienced by the first responder community as a whole, including individuals like Eric, who regularly encounter and manage unfathomable situations. By advocating mental health awareness and encouraging individuals to seek help without stigma, the campaign sends a resounding message: ‘We’ve got you covered,’ emphasizing that reaching out for assistance can save lives, both one’s own and others,” Megan Kocheran said.
The community’s response to the “Cover Me” shirt campaign has been overwhelmingly positive thus far. Local residents have not only demonstrated their support by purchasing these meaningful garments, but they have also embraced the opportunity to contribute to a cause that supports their local heroes and addresses mental health concerns. The initiative stands as a reminder that no one should suffer alone and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a courageous act that can lead to life-saving outcomes.
To obtain their own “Cover Me” shirts, individuals can choose between shipping options or opt to pick up their orders to reduce shipping costs. The campaign urges everyone to proudly wear their shirts, demonstrating their commitment to mental health support and gratitude for the dedicated first responders who protect and serve the community.
For further information or assistance in locating mental health resources, individuals are encouraged to go to the foundation’s Facebook page directly. .