WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — The second-annual “Light in the Dark” Glow Walk for suicide prevention awareness drew approximately 285 people at Miami Trace High School on Saturday, Oct. 5.

A Community of Hope: Fayette County Suicide Prevention Coalition sponsored the event, intending to reduce the stigma of talking about mental health and seeking support, and to increase awareness of local resources and support.

The speaker for the evening was Jeenee Morrison, coalition member and Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator at Chillicothe Veteran’s Administration. She shared her personal story. Carley Payton, a Miami Trace High School student, performed the national anthem. Tasha Jackson of the local Veterans Service Commission was the flag bearer and Pastor Rob Dawson of Unity Fellowship Church gave the invocation. The first lap was a survivor walk for anyone who had lost a loved one to suicide.

In addition to the walk, local organizations and agencies were there with tables, resources, and information.

From 2012 to 2022, there were 28 suicide deaths in Fayette County. There were eight deaths by suicide in 2023. One death is too many. The age range of these losses is from 14 to 89 years old.

The data shows that five Ohioans die by suicide every day, and one youth dies every 34 hours.

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 loss care packages to provide to families in Fayette County who were affected by a suicide death

– Provided awareness information at community events

– Purchased billboard messaging and yard signs to promote the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline

– Sponsored QPR Gatekeeper training

– Hosted a mental health conference

Future plans include:

– Focus prevention efforts on groups that are considered at high-risk for suicide

– Reduce stigma around the utilization of mental health resources

– Promote the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline as well as local resources

– Support and promote programs in the schools

“A Light in the Dark” was made possible by sponsors including Adena Health, American Legion Post 25 Ladies Auxiliary, Biers Run Mudd, Brown’s Boarding, Community Action Commission of Fayette County, Elks 129, Fayette County Public Health, Fayette Recovery Center (FRC) / PARS, Fayette County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Health Source of Ohio, Miami Trace Local Schools, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF), Paint Valley ADAMH Board, Parrett Insurance, Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health, Signature Health Care, Unlimited Contracting Solutions, VFW Post 3762, VFW Post 8041, Washington Court House City Schools, and YUSA Corporation.

A limited number of t-shirts and luminaries remain and will be available for purchase at the Fayette County Farmers’ Market on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Fayette County Public Health table. t-shirts are $20 and luminaries are $25, cash only. All sales support the work of the coalition.

For more information regarding the coalition and its activities, please call 740-773-2283.