Suicide Prevention Walk Brings Hope to DuBois City Park

The 16th annual Suicide Prevention Walk, hosted by the Clearfield/Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Team and various mental health, substance abuse and supporting agencies, drew a large crowd to DuBois City Park on Sunday afternoon as a reminder that “hope is here.”

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The prevention walk is a reminder to everyone who may be struggling and those impacted by suicide that they are not alone, as well as to shed light on information about suicide prevention and education.

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Sheree Guelich, coordinator of the CJSPT, opened the event’s ceremony by talking about the team and its mission, including to provide education for suicide prevention; Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) trainings to various employers, schools, mental health agencies, etc. and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainings (ASIST) in Clearfield and Jefferson counties.

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Guelich also encouraged anyone who is interested to join the CJSPT and find out more.

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The event welcomed community members who spoke about how suicide has impacted their lives.

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Cameron County Commissioner James Moate said this was his first time speaking about the topic of suicide, a very difficult one to broach. It has impacted him several times throughout his life, including having lost very close friends and family members to suicide.

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Moate touched on statistics that are typically associated with suicide, and reiterated that “There is no wrong way to grieve.” There is help out there, including the vendors and therapists who were in attendance at the Suicide Prevention Walk. And, there are numbers people can call at any time, including “988” — the suicide and crisis hotline. In fact, Moate carries coins with him that say 988, he said, just in case someone needs one.

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Guelich added that the Crisis Intervention Hotline County Lifeline is 1-800-341-5040.

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Four representatives of the Josh Mayhew Foundation took the stage to talk about losing their loved one, Josh Mayhew, to his battle with depression in August of 2023.

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The foundation is “focused on helping people and the community, one cause at a time, while spreading awareness about suicide prevention,” its Facebook page says.

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This cause hits very close to home, said John McLaughlin, noting that depression looks different on everyone. They spoke about the higher suicide rates in men, as they are often encouraged not to show emotion. It’s important to raise boys and young men to know it is OK to be vulnerable and to speak up when something is wrong.

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They also spoke about survivor’s guilt, how families often feel like they missed the signs after losing a loved one to suicide.

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Mayhew’s loved ones created the foundation, a nonprofit organization funded by donations and fundraisers, in May of this year to “make his name mean something” and carry on his legacy, they said. There is also a local scholarship established in Mayhew’s honor.

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They thanked the CJSPT for all it does in the community and for hosting the walk. In addition, the Josh Mayhew Foundation hosted a chicken barbecue and pool tournament on Aug. 16, raising $7,290. On the day of the walk, $1,300 of those proceeds were donated to the CJSPT. The foundation also donated two baskets for the Chinese auction.

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Attendees crossed through the balloon arch to kick off the walk shortly after the speakers took the stage. The walk also welcomed several vendors and food trucks for attendees to enjoy.

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Also in attendance were members of the DuBois Area high and middle school Hope Squads, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program.

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Prior to the event, walk coordinator Scott Rendos said there have been numerous people who have died by suicide in the area over the past year.

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“When an individual has died by suicide, a ripple is sent throughout the community that impacts a numerous amount of individuals,” said Rendos. “Our goal is to better help individuals to reduce the stigma, and be able to have an open conversation about their experience with suicide ideations and behaviors.”

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Originally published at https://www.thecourierexpress.com/news/local/suicide-prevention-walk-brings-hope-to-dubois-city-park/article_1405fa04-d0c6-44b4-9a19-ee7cc76881ef.html