ASSURE holding walk Sept. 11

CELINA — We would like to invite all citizens of Mercer County to participate in the upcoming ASSURE (Area Suicide Support Resources) Suicide Awareness & Prevention Walk on Sept. 11. This walk is a fundraising event that will fund vital research, education, advocacy, suicide prevention initiatives and programs to support those impacted by suicide in Mercer County.

“Our mission is to bring awareness of suicide prevention practices to the area through community outreach programs. Also, to support those experiencing thoughts of suicide and their families; and to support suicide loss survivors”, said Tonia Brya.

Ohio ASSURE Suicide Awareness & Prevention Walk is an annual walk that is meant to bring awareness of suicide prevention practices throughout Mercer County and the surrounding area through community outreach programs.

“There is no such thing as a perfect family. Families in our area have been, are and will be touched by mental health issues such as anxiety, panic, or suicidal thoughts. With this walk we are hoping to educate, to prevent people from being affected by or experiencing loss,” stated committee member Marilyn Kahlig.

The Mercer County Ohio community walk will begin at Mercer County Fairgrounds at 8 a.m. for registration and end at approximately noon. Opening ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. and the walk officially starts at 9:15 a.m.

“It is not necessary to walk the entire time, come when you can, leave when you must, but your support is desperately needed,” stated committee chairman Margie Griesdorn.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health and the CDC, in 2019 in the United States, there were nearly two and a half times more suicides (47,511) as there were homicides (19,141). In Mercer County that same year, local law enforcement encountered just over 40 people who threaten suicide, attempted suicide, or sadly completed suicide.