Evolution Foundation, Rural Health Projects to host day of suicide prevention, education and conversation
Enid News & EagleSep 09, 2021
Sep. 10—Evolution Foundation and Rural Health Projects will host "Journey Through Darkness" on Monday to help bring awareness of suicide to
"Journey Through Darkness," a day of suicide prevention, education and conversation, will be
September is Suicide Awareness Month, and
"The main thing is just to get that awareness out there, reduce that stigma, let people know that there is help — that they're not alone," Sharp said. "Let family members learn some of those signs and warnings that they may be overlooking. We want everyone to know that while (suicide) is tragic, it can be preventable."
According to an article by Oklahoma Watch, 883 Oklahomans died by suicide last year, a 10% increase over 2019 and the highest number of suicides since at least 2006. In 2018, there were 806 suicide deaths, according to a report from the state medical examiner's office.
On average, two Oklahomans ages 10 to 24 die by suicide every week, according to a 2020 report from the Oklahoma Violent Death Reporting System.
"Journey Through Darkness" will begin with registration from
A networking lunch will last until
Tickets for "Journey Through Darkness" are
For more information about "Journey Through Darkness," contact Sharp by calling (580) 977-7479 or by emailing there sa.a.sharp@outlook.com.
On
Sharp said during the walk, people will gather to support and remember those who have attempted or completed suicide, and a silent auction will be held to raise funds for awareness and prevention activities in the area. Guest speakers will be families affected by suicide, and a memory quilt will be there along with resources available on-site.
Sharp said it's important to raise awareness of suicide because it's preventable, and reducing the stigma can affect change.
"I feel like by us being able to do events like this, we're showing people that it's OK to talk about it," she said. "It's OK to come together and talk about it, to celebrate the lives of the loved ones that are lost. The more people that we can bring together and have that conversation, I think, people on the outside that aren't in those conversations might see that it's not so bad and might join in those conversations.
"That's what I hope to achieve in
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is (800) 273-8255. Crisis counselors can also be reached by texting "HOME" to 741741.
Local inpatient facilities include
Sharp added that there are many counselors in
McKendrick is police and court reporter for the
Have a question about this story? Do you see something we missed? Do you have a story idea for Kelci? Send an email to kelcim@enidnews.com.
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