04 Sep Community Foundation to host Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk
McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County Community Foundation’s (MCCF) Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday Sept. 27.
The event. meant to bring light to the nationwide epidemic, is open to the public, with participants welcome to come and go throughout the day. Memorial signs honoring loved ones lost to suicide will be displayed throughout the park, and informational handouts and nonprofit booths will be available.
Participating organizations include:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Valley Hope
- United Way
- McPherson Public Library
- CKF Addiction Treatment
- McPherson County Health Department
- STEP MC
- LGBTQ Kansas Foundation
- McPherson SOuL
The walk is part of the McPherson County Community Foundation’s (MCCF) ongoing initiative to support mental health in the county, in partnership with the mental health task force.
Suicide has been described as an epidemic among young adults. According to SAVE.org, 46,979 Americans died by suicide in 2020, making it the nation’s 12th leading cause of death and the third leading cause among people ages 15 to 24. Kansas ranks 33rd in the country, with a suicide rate of 18.3 deaths per 100,000 residents, nearly four deaths higher than the national average.
“One death by suicide is too many,” said Betsy Davis, MCCF Director of Community Services. “We hope 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.”
Family members and friends who would like to honor a loved one with a memorial sign at the event may contact the Foundation at (620) 245-9070. Photos and remembrance notes must be submitted by Sept. 12 to allow time for printing. Signs will be kept by MCCF and displayed annually at the walk.