06 Sep Community Foundation to host Suicide Awareness event
McPHERSON — The McPherson County Community Foundation (MCCF) will be hosting their annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk on September 24, 2022. The event will be taking place at Memorial Park in McPherson, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
The walk is set to bring a light to this issue that affects nearly every county in the country. The event will be completely open, and participants are encouraged to come and go as they wish. Memorial signs sharing the stories of loved one’s past will be displayed throughout the park. There will be informational handouts and local non-profit booths during the event.
This event is part of the Foundation’s initiative of supporting mental health in our county, along with the mental health task force.
Suicide has been considered an epidemic among young adults. Suicide is attributed to the death of 46,979 Americans in 2020, making it the number 12 cause of death and the third leading cause of death in those aged 15 to 24 according to SAVE.org. Kansas is ranked 33 in the country with a rate of 18.3 deaths per 100,000 almost four deaths higher than the national average.
“One death by suicide is too many,” said Betsy Davis, Director of Community Services for MCCF, “We hope that the Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk will give comfort and support to those who need it and bring light to an issue in our community.”
For those who have family members or friends that have passed away due to suicide and would like to have a sign placed at the park are encouraged to contact the Foundation at (620) 245-9070. These signs will be kept by the Foundation and placed at the walk every year.