‘Pretty Little Liars’ Star Lucy Hale Talks Meningitis in New PSA [WATCH]

Pretty Little Liars star Lucy Hale is speaking out about meningococcal meningitis in a new PSA. The young actress has decided to toss aside her villainous ways on the famed CW show to educate teenagers about the infection.

Per a report from The Huffington Post, the infection hits over 4,000 people in the United States. It is a "bacterial illness that results in inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord."

In the new PSA, Hale speaks alongside meningitis survivor Jamie Schanbaum. The video shows the actress walking down the hallway of a school. It begins with, "When I was a teen, I hoped that my voice would be heard by everyone." She then explains that she dreamt of performing onstage, but reveals that sometimes life throws things into play that can forever change your world. Which is exactly what appeared to happen to Schanbaum.

Because of her meningococcal meningitis, Schanbaum's lower legs and fingers needed to be amputated.

Calling it "rare" but "potentially deadly" disease, Hale announced that she's joining forces with Schanbaum and teens to raise awareness for meningitis prevention.

"I want to make sure everyone knows what I know now," Schanbaum says.

From the prevention organization's site, meningococcal meningitis can take the life of a person in "as little as 24 hours." The disease is mildly contagious, largely spread via kissing and the sharing of everyday items such as utensils and water bottles. 

Take a look at the PSA below:

To find out what you can do to raise awareness and learn about the prevention of meningococcal meningitis, visit BoostTheVolume.com.

And for a more in-depth interview with both Lucy Hale and Jamie Schanbaum, visit The Huffington Post.

 Flashback Friday with @cosmopolitan

A photo posted by Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) on Jul 31, 2015 at 9:31am PDT