Hope and togetherness served as the major motivators for local residents during Beacon for Hope’s third annual Hope Links Us Together Suicide Prevention Walk Saturday.
The walk moved locations this year from Jones Park to the Clint Bowyer Community Building and welcomed over 125 residents and individuals who have either lost loved ones to suicide or have been fighting their own battles against suicide and depression. One participant in this year’s walk was Emporia resident, and Pamona native, Miranda Carey.
Carey tells KVOE News she was in attendance to honor the memory of a close family friend who sadly committed suicide last year. Carey says she has also struggled with depression for half of her life and credited her family for giving her a strong support system to lean on throughout her journey.
A wide range of vendors with numerous agencies were also in attendance to provide information on suicide prevention resources and programs available. Included on that list was Headquarters Inc. of Lawrence which is the home of Headquarters Counseling and Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
Vice President of Communication and Development Allan Bunch says Headquarters works with numerous coalitions across the state and Beacon for Hope is one of their “favorite” organizations to work with.
Bunch adds, since Beacon for Hope was founded they have seen a significant rise in the volume of calls through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in Lyon County. This year’s featured speaker for the walk was Michelle Young who shared her personal story with those in attendance.
Young says she began battling depression in the seventh grade at a time where suicide and depression were rarely talked about. Young hopes by sharing her story she will inspire others to do the same.
If you or someone you know is going through a suicidal crisis, please call the 24 hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. They offer free and confidential emotional support as well as referrals to available crisis resources.
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