“Into the Light” suicide prevention walk to celebrate 10th anniversary

Submitted article

The Crawford County Suicide Prevention Coalition announces the 10th annual “Into the Light,” 2.3 mile walk for suicide prevention. The walk will be held Saturday, May 10 at Aumiller Park in Bucyrus, Ohio.

Sponsored by the Crawford County Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Crawford-Marion ADAMH Board and the Marion-Crawford Prevention Program, the 2.3 mile walk will begin at the Pavilion in Aumiller Park in Bucyrus.

The deadline to register is May 1. The registration fee is $25 and includes a tee shirt and lunch. Those wishing to walk but not interested in getting a tee shirt will pay $15. The fee includes lunch after the event.

Individuals who raise more than the registration fee will be eligible for a prize. Teams with five or more walkers will receive a special recognition plaque with a team picture. The top three individuals and teams who raise money will receive special plaque commemorating their achievement.

Registration will run from 10 to 10:30. The walk will begin at 10:45. Participants are asked to not bring dogs to the event. Children in strollers are welcome. Donations are tax deductible and go to the Marion-Crawford Prevention Program. Proceeds from the walk will be used for suicide prevention and awareness activities, including Signs of Suicide screening for teens conducted by Community Counseling Services, Inc.

Walk organizers note that each year, about 2 million adolescents in the U.S. will try to kill themselves; about 2,000 will die, and some 700,000 will need medical attention. This makes suicide the third-leading cause of death among adolescents after unintentional injuries and homicide. The per capita suicide rate in Ohio is 11.08, slightly lower than the national rate of 11.26. Crawford County’s rate is 11.26 for the last year reported (2010), putting it 42 in the State of Ohio out of 88 counties. Counties with the highest rates of suicide per capita are Monroe, Highland, Adams, Ross and Gallia.

But suicide is a major cause of death for people of all ages. And yet, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, at least 90 percent of the people who attempt suicide have a diagnosable and treatable psychiatric illness such as bipolar depression, major depression or another depressive illness. That could include schizophrenia; alcohol or drug abuse, especially combined with depression; posttraumatic stress disorder or another anxiety disorder; bulimia or anorexia nervosa; and personality disorders.

Ginger Gamble, chairperson for the Crawford County Suicide Prevention Coalition, lost her only son to suicide. She notes, “Prevention is so very important. We have to talk about depression and suicide because opening up about this serious topic can help save lives. My family has been personally touched by suicide and depression. I want others to know that treatment works and people recover. Suicide is not the answer.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available every day, 24 hours a day through CONTACT Crawford County at 419-562-9010. Susan Buzza, director of CONTACT notes that they have trained volunteers willing to listen, help and direct those in need. Cindy Wallis, clinical director for Community Counseling Services, Inc., has helped coordinate the Signs of Suicide program in area schools. She reports that this program helps increase awareness and includes screenings for students to identify those who may be at risk for depression and suicide. Funds from the walk help support this effort.

The committee invites the community to join them on May 10. All proceeds for the walk benefit Crawford County to support suicide prevention, education, awareness and support families. They note that your support may save a life! For more information, contact Gamble at 419-562-8235 or Jody Demo-Hodgins at 419-562-7288.