The 8th Annual Jerry’s Walk took place 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.
The event aims to end the stigma surrounding suicide, particularly for older males like Jerry, who passed away at the age of 75 from suicide. Jerry’s daughter, Sandy Williams, organized the walk to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of mental health awareness.
Sandy Williams, President of Jerry’s Walk, spoke about the taboo nature of suicide in society. She emphasized the need to openly discuss mental health issues and provide support to those struggling with suicidal thoughts. By removing the stigma surrounding suicide, they hope to create a more open and accepting environment for those in need of help.