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In a poignant response to the tragic issue of suicide, the Suicide Coalition of Johnson County is launching the inaugural ‘Walk Suicide Out of Our County’ on October 19. This event aims to foster awareness and open dialogue surrounding suicide prevention within the community. With over 1,100 suicide deaths recorded in Indiana in 2022 alone, the need for such initiatives has never been more pressing.
The statistics are sobering: suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in Indiana and the second leading cause for individuals aged 10 to 34. Despite these alarming numbers, the stigma surrounding suicide often hampers meaningful discussions and preventative efforts. The Walk Suicide Out of Our County seeks to address this stigma by providing a supportive environment where community members can come together to discuss suicide openly and honestly.
Participants are invited to gather at the DriveHubler.com Amphitheater at Youngs Creek Park in Franklin at 11 a.m. for this self-paced walk. Organized by Upstream Prevention and the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Johnson County, the event will not only include the walk but also feature vital resources and information for attendees to take home. “It’s really trying to break some of the stigma and bust some of the myths surrounding suicide,” said Kathleen Ratcliff, executive director of Upstream Prevention. She emphasized that many individuals feel uncomfortable discussing mental health issues, which often perpetuates misinformation.
The Daily Journal noted that this awareness walk has been a long time coming for local organizers who have recognized the need for community engagement around mental health. The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Johnson County was formed in 2019, driven by concerns about the growing rates of suicide in the area. In 2022, Johnson County recorded 23 suicides, with a rate of 13.8 per 100,000 people. Organizers believe that by bringing attention to these numbers and facilitating conversation, they can begin to chip away at the stigma surrounding suicide.
The event will feature a mile-long route adorned with educational yard signs that share information about suicide and prevention methods. Local mental health organizations will have booths set up to provide additional resources and support for those affected by suicide, including those who have lost loved ones to the tragedy. “We’ve asked them to make their booths fun and somewhat entertaining, not just the same brochures you might pick up places,” Ratcliff noted.
In a creative twist, organizers will introduce a “duck pool” activity where participants can fish out a toy duck, answer a question about mental health or suicide prevention, and win a prize. This engaging approach reflects the event’s goal of making discussions about suicide more approachable and less daunting.
Funding for the walk comes partly from a $6,000 grant received by Upstream Prevention from the Johnson County Community Foundation’s mental health grant initiative. The funds, established to support mental health services and counseling for residents, will help facilitate the walk and create “self-care boxes” for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts. These boxes will include resources like a deck of cards, a journal, and information on local mental health services, including the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Registration for the Walk Suicide Out of Our County is free, with opportunities for attendees to donate to the Suicide Coalition of Johnson County. Participants can also preorder event merchandise, including long-sleeved t-shirts and beanies, to further support this vital cause.
As the community prepares for this impactful event, the message is clear: talking about suicide can save lives. The Walk Suicide Out of Our County aims to not only bring awareness to a critical issue but also to empower individuals to seek help, support one another, and ultimately reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental health disorder or addiction, don’t let stigma prevent you from getting the help you need. Reach out to Avenues Recovery today. Our experienced professionals will help you recover with dignity and respect.