Today, the 8th Annual Jerry’s Walk took place at the St. Clairsville Memorial for Suicide Awareness in St. Clairsville, OH. Participants had the opportunity to walk, sign up for the auction, donate a suicide pinwheel in memory of someone they may have lost to suicide, and interact with mental health experts from Belmont County and the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation to access community resources.
Sandy Williams, President of Jerry’s Walk, shared her personal experience, stating that when her father passed away by suicide at the age of 75, they were uninformed about suicide and its impacts. She emphasized that despite being in 2024, suicide is still a taboo topic for many people. Williams stressed the need to remove the stigma around mental health and encourage open conversations about struggles and suicidal thoughts. The message was clear: “Let us help you. Don’t hide.”
The event aims to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide, particularly for older males like Jerry. Jerry inspired the walk organized by his daughter Sandy Williams after he died by suicide at the age of 75. The event serves to raise awareness and promote a better understanding of the importance of mental health among participants who walked alongside each other with hope in their hearts for a brighter future where everyone feels comfortable discussing their struggles without fear or shame.
During the event, participants had an opportunity to learn more about community resources available through Belmont County Mental Health Services and other organizations dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with mental health issues. They also had an opportunity to sign up for an auction or donate a pinwheel in memory of someone they may have lost to suicide.
As Sandy Williams put it, “We want this event to serve as a reminder that we can all make a difference in our own way.” By participating in Jerry’s Walk or supporting others who are struggling with mental health issues, individuals can help break down stigmas and create a more compassionate society where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.
In conclusion, Jerry’s Walk was an inspiring event that brought together community members from all walks of life to raise awareness about suicide prevention and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues. Through their efforts