BRIDGEPORT, N.Y. — On Saturday, Sept. 13, at 10 a.m., the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Madison County will host this year’s STEPtember for Suicide Prevention, Awareness & Remembrance Walk at Chapman Park in Bridgeport.
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The coalition has been organizing annual walks in Madison County to bring awareness to suicide prevention since 2013, marking over a decade of local walks in honor of those lost to suicide.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 48,000 people died by suicide in the U.S. in 2021, or one death by suicide every 11 minutes. Some 12.3 million adults considered suicide in 2021. According to the coalition’s Teen Assessment Report, about 18% of youth in grades seven-12 in Madison County have seriously considered suicide in 2022.
Madison County, a predominantly rural area, has one of the highest rates of suicide among NYS counties. The disparity in rural areas is attributed to many factors, including social isolation, barriers accessing mental health services, and high gun ownership. These statistics reflect a tragic loss of life and the need for prevention and postvention efforts in our community.
The STEPtember for Suicide Prevention, Awareness & Remembrance Walk is open to anyone and everyone. Registration is open and participants can also register onsite starting at 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event. The walk will be held rain or shine. The cost to register is $35 which includes a Walk remembrance gift while supplies last and lunch provided by DNA Tacos.
All proceeds and donations will remain local and fund suicide prevention, education, and
awareness initiatives.
In 2024, a youth-led, evidence-based suicide-prevention program, called Sources of Strength, which empowers youth as leaders to care for themselves and others was first launched funded by the Madison County Youth Bureau.
And in 2024, the coalition formed the Local Outreach to Survivors of Suicide Team of Madison County to assist family and friends in times of loss and to help build connections to resources and supports.
The coalition holds monthly meetings, trainings for the community on suicide prevention, intervention and postvention and a monthly grief support group for survivors of suicide loss. For more information on getting involved in local efforts, call (315) 697-3947.
A reading of the names ceremony and moment of silence is held each year at the walk in honor of loved ones lost to suicide. Community organizations will be tabling at the event with resources for the community.
“The STEPtember Walk is important to me because it not only allows me to honor loved ones I have lost, but it is a way I can help to raise awareness in our community and show support to others,” returning Walk attendee Kari Simchik said.
“We need to continue to work to reduce the stigma around mental health issues and remind everyone that it is okay to have open conversations,” she continued. “Having conversations can help let individuals know they are not alone and could make finding help and support a bit easier. The funds raised at the Walk help with support and prevention services that are offered to the community right here in Madison County.”
To learn more, register, or donate, call (315) 697-3947, visit bridgescouncil.org or visit us on Facebook at https://ift.tt/j1hzUDM.
Walk 2
Walk 1
