By: Lauren Nolen, Senior
On Saturday, November 2nd, copious amounts of support came flooding through at the 2019 suicide prevention walk held at the Perkasie campus of Bucks County Community College, and Palisades High School had the honor of being one of many sponsors at this incredible event.
Palisades had a wonderful group of students and staff present at the walk, bringing along a creative selfie-booth with props for everyone at the walk to have fun taking photos together. For the first hour of registration and obtaining resources, there was live music, food, and therapy dogs for all to enjoy. With several guest speakers at the event, many important topics were addressed, including the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health, the importance of reaching out for help, and how necessary it is for everyone to check in on their peers and loved ones.
The walk, coordinated by the Bucks County Suicide Prevention Task Force, was a three-mile-long journey around the beautiful college campus. The sunshine and autumn scenery made the day truly perfect. Little messages written along the pathway served as reminders for all participants that they are loved and important, and it was a meaningful touch to the whole event as people of all ages walked for a greater future for those who struggle with their mental health.
In 2017, nearly 50,000 people died due to suicide in the United States alone. As a society, the mental health stigma needs to be broken, and increased encouragement to learn and teach about suicide prevention is important and necessary. There are many resources, and there is always someone willing to talk and help. A reminder to all: hold on, you matter. If you or anyone you know is struggling, the Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255.
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