The second-annual “Light In The Dark” Glow Walk will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 at Tony’s Welding & Fabrication Stadium, Miami Trace Schools, from 7-9 p.m. All community members are welcome to participate in this free event, to show support and spread awareness of the resources that are available to those in need. Registration is now open. The first 50 participants to sign up for the walk will receive swag bags. Luminaries in honor or remembrance of loved ones will be available at no cost. T-shirts can be purchased for $20. Register here: bit.ly24glows or by calling or texting 740-606-7688.
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WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE — The second-annual “Light In The Dark” Glow Walk will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5. This event will be held at Tony’s Welding & Fabrication Stadium on the Miami Trace Local School District campus, from 7-9 p.m. All community members are welcome to participate in this free event, to show support and spread awareness of the resources that are available to those in need.
“A Light in the Dark” is meant to honor, remember, educate, offer hope and resources, and remind people that they are not alone. This walk is for those whose lives have been affected by suicide. It is for the families left behind. It is for anyone who is currently struggling with mental health issues, who needs to know where to turn, or who needs to know that they are not alone and that someone cares. This walk is also for everyone in the community who wants to support, encourage, and uplift those in our community who are hurting.
From 2012-2022, there were 28 suicide deaths in Fayette County. In 2023, the community lost eight community members to suicide. This has affected males and females, old and young, from 14 to 89. The data shows that five Ohioans die by suicide every day, and one youth dies every 34 hours.
It is the hope of the coalition that this walk will increase awareness of the resources and support that can be found in Fayette County.
Registration is now open. The first 50 participants to sign up for the walk will receive swag bags. Luminaries in honor or remembrance of loved ones will be available at the walk at no cost. T-shirts can be purchased for $20. Register here: bit.ly24glows or by calling or texting 740-606-7688.
Sponsors and Resources
The group is currently seeking sponsors for the walk. Local individuals, businesses, or organizations that would like to sponsor this event or donate in-kind (gift cards, swag bag items, water, snacks, giveaways) are asked to call Harley Dawson or Missy Smith at Fayette County Public Health (740-335-5910). Organizations that would like to set up a table at this event are asked to contact that number as well.
About Fayette County Suicide Prevention Coalition – A Community of Hope
FCSPC was formed in 2019. Members include community agency representatives, clergy, community members, and family and friends of those who have died by suicide.
Since its inception, the coalition has accomplished the following:
– Created care packages to provide to families in Fayette County who were affected by a suicide death
– Provided awareness information at community events
– Promotion of the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline and local resources
– Sponsored a Glow Walk and a Means Matter Conference
– Sponsored QPR Gatekeeper training. QPR is designed to train anyone how to offer hope and take action when they are concerned that someone may be at risk for suicide
– Served as the mental health task force for the Fayette County Community Health Improvement Plan
Future plans include:
– Reducing stigma around the utilization of mental health resources
– Support and promotion of programs in the schools
– Increased support and resources for vulnerable populations, including veterans, first responders and youth
For more information about the coalition or the walk, follow Fayette County Suicide Prevention Coalition on Facebook.
