Arizona’s suicide rate is 38 percent higher than the national average. That means more families will be facing loss and in need of community support. The public and those impacted by suicide are invited to walk in memory of their loved ones.
There are currently more than 44,000 suicides annually in the U.S. and over 1,200 suicides in Arizona. The U.S. suicide rate marked a 30 year high in 2016. It is estimated that for every suicide there are at least 25 loved ones left behind. We call them survivors. Based on this estimate, it has been suggested that there are now at least more than 5 million American survivors of suicide.
The 11th Annual Jeremyah Memorial 5K Walk/Run to Support Survivors of Suicide, a day to honor those who have died by suicide, to increase awareness about the issue of suicide, and to raise dollars to make sure programs are available for those struggling with depression, anxiety, grief and loss. Eleven years ago a man who lost his son, and a woman who lost her sister came together to create the walk to bring attention to this tragic issue and provide healing through community. Since that time, the walk has grown in numbers and the various issues that can often lead to suicide have begun to come out of the shadows.
The walk serves as a day to gather, remember that you are not alone in your suffering and grief, and take time to honor the loved ones lost while working to prevent the ranks of “survivors” from growing in the future. The morning includes:
- Candle/balloon and community ceremony
- Family and friends walking as teams and as a broader community
- Balloon release
The walk supports La Frontera – EMPACT-Suicide Prevention Center and its mission to build a safe, strong and healthy community by helping Arizona youth and adults cope effectively with the challenges of life. This is achieved through compassionate and innovative prevention, counseling, crisis and training services.
WHEN/WHERE:
Walk information:
Saturday, February 11, 2017
5K fundraising Walk/Run at Tempe’s Kiwanis Park
8:00 am Registration and Refreshments
8:45 am Survivor Memorial Ceremony
9:30 am 5K Run begins
9:40 am 5K Walk begins