Annual Walk Brings Awareness to Suicide Prevention in Owensboro
The 14th Annual Lifesavers Walk, hosted by Owensboro Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition, is right around the corner. The community is invited for a day of remembering, fun and fellowship.
Suicide Prevention Week is coming up on September 5th through September 11th, 2021. If you've ever lost a loved one to suicide, you know why these mental health awareness events are so important. I've lost several people that I've known and loved throughout my life. It's heart-wrenching and you're always left feeling like "what could I have done", "did I miss a warning sign", or "why didn't they reach out if they needed me". So many questions with very few answers. We all just need to be there for each other to do the best that we can. And, most importantly get educated.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Back in the 80s' I volunteered at a crisis center on overnights. I would receive many calls where the caller just wanted to talk. Talk about nothing and talk about everything. I was just happy to be there to lend an ear. Sometimes when someone is in need, that's all they want. Someone to listen. And, it's important to have somebody available 24/7 when the time arises. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline does exactly that. They're a free and confidential source of comfort. Help is always available and you are never alone. Call 800-273-8255 if you need someone to speak with anytime day or night.
Suicide in the United States
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. In 2019, 47,511 Americans died by suicide and there were an estimated 1.38M suicide attempts. These numbers are staggering and why mental health awareness is so important.
14th Annual Lifesavers Walk
Bring your family and friends out for an inspirational day of fun on Saturday, September 25th, 2021 at Moreland Park in Owensboro. Mental health advocates and crisis resources will be on-site from 9 AM until 2 PM to show us how to protect our mental health, prevent suicide, and change lives. Volunteers with the Owensboro Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition will have information on FREE QPR training, Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group, event t-shirts, and more.
Jessica Hodges from Iron Jungle will be teaching a fun Zumba class starting at noon. Children have the chance to meet some local heroes too.
Police Officers, Firefighters will be on hand. It's a perfect way to honor some of our own that protect us and keep us safe.
The Spot Coffee and Finery, Cold Stone Creamery, and Real Hacienda food trucks will be parked and serving up some delicious food throughout the event too!
This is such a fun and beautiful way to bring the community together!
Owensboro Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition Mission
"The Coalition began as a task force formed in 2004 and has grown to include many members of our community. We are your neighbors and we are all interested in reducing the negative impact that suicide has on our community. Our primary focus is prevention, but we started as a group dedicated to providing help and support for those “survivors” that have lost a loved one to suicide. Approximately 30,000 people die each year in the United States by suicide."