The 8th Annual Jerry’s Walk was held today at the St. Clairsville Memorial for Suicide Awareness in St. Clairsville, OH. Participants had the opportunity to walk, sign up for the auction, donate a suicide pinwheel in memory of someone they have lost, and speak with various mental health experts from Belmont County and the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation to access community resources.
Jerry’s daughter, Sandy Williams, organized the walk to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of mental health awareness. She spoke about the taboo nature of suicide in society and emphasized the need to openly discuss mental health issues and provide support to those struggling with suicidal thoughts. By removing the stigma surrounding suicide, she hopes to create a more open and accepting environment for those in need of help.
The event aimed to end the stigma surrounding suicide, particularly for older males like Jerry, who passed away at the age of 75 from suicide. Participants walked together in solidarity to raise awareness about mental health issues and show support for those affected by suicide. The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to connect with local resources that offer help and support for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts.
