DECATUR, IND. – Aug. 12, 2024 – Losing a loved one or another important person in your life can be an overwhelmingly tough experience. If the loss is due to suicide, the grief can be even more difficult and complex. Connecting with others who have endured similar experiences — and uniting to encourage people contemplating suicide to reach out for help — can aid survivors and those left behind in their healing journey.
It can also save lives. That’s why the team of mental health professionals with Parkview Behavioral Health Institute (PBHI) – Park Center is sponsoring a Suicide Awareness Walk in Decatur on Saturday, Sept. 28, during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The event's message: No one is alone because help is available 24/7.
“Suicide rates continue to climb in Indiana, especially among adolescents,” says Laura Murphy, LMHC, MHA, director of clinical services for PBHI – Park Center. “Given the rise in suicides, our team wants people to know that compassionate, nonjudgmental help is here. PBHI offers a range of support options for those who are thinking about or have been affected by suicide. This walk aims to inspire others to seek the help that is available in their community.”
“Reaching out for help can be difficult for many,” adds Jinny Broderick, LCSW, clinical program manager for PBHI’s Bluffton and Decatur offices and organizer of the walk. “They might fear the stigma of seeking help, believe they should manage challenges alone, or simply not know where to turn. We hope this walk helps connect those in need with the support they deserve.”
The Suicide Awareness Walk will be held at Bellmont High School, 1000 E. North Adams Drive in Decatur, from 4 to 6 p.m. Check-in begins at 4 p.m., followed by opening remarks at 4:30 p.m. from Broderick. The one-mile walk (four laps) around the track will take place from 4:45 to 6 p.m.
Ready to provide helpful information, representatives from Parkview and other local organizations will be onsite, including those from:
- Tri Recovery
- Firefly Children and Family Alliance
- Renovate Counseling
- Family Centered Services
- PBHI
- Bowen Center
- Adams Medical Group Behavioral Health
Attendees who have lost a loved one and wish to honor their memory, or who want to uplift someone dealing with suicidal thoughts, can honor them with their walk. Walkers will have the opportunity to decorate a paper cut-out of a balloon with the person’s name; the balloons will be displayed on a sky-themed banner during the event as a symbolic “balloon launch” (an environmentally friendly alternative to releasing latex or mylar balloons into the air). Balloon decoration will take place at check-in.
Each participant who registers by Aug. 31 will receive a free event T-shirt at check-in. Sizes run from small to 3X. The back of the teal shirt says “You are not alone” with familiar suicide prevention symbols: the semicolon and awareness ribbon, along with 988 national lifeline information.
Several community organizations and individuals have supported the walk by underwriting costs or providing supplies and equipment. Premier Signs has donated information signs and banners. Suicide awareness ribbons, pins and bracelets have also been donated.
During the event, restroom facilities will be available onsite, and strollers and service animals will be permitted at the track.
To register, visit Parkview.com/SuicideAwarenessWalk. Participants must register by Aug. 31 to receive a T-shirt. For questions or more information, call 260-273-2646.
Help is always available
Parkview Behavioral Health Institute – Park Center, based in Fort Wayne, has additional offices at 809 High St. in Decatur, 1115 S. Main St. in Bluffton, and 26 Victory Noll Dr in Huntington, Indiana. The PBHI HelpLine, 260-471-9440 (or 800-284-8439 toll-free), is open 24/7 for individuals who are experiencing a crisis or need information on behavioral health services. Experienced HelpLine specialists provide confidential assessments, information and referrals for services, or admission assistance for inpatient or outpatient services, if needed.
Anyone in crisis or experiencing mental distress and in need of support can also call or text 988 to reach mental health professionals via the nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 988 provides confidential, 24/7 help through a network of more than 200 crisis centers supported by state and federal resources.