Students in Pike Road hold walk to raise awareness of suicide prevention
Students at Pike Road High School and Pike Road Junior High have held a walk to raise awareness of suicide prevention.
Their “Steps for Strength Walk” Monday evening took place on the final day of Suicide Prevention Month.
They walked the bus loop with teal and purple balloons, which symbolize suicide awareness.
Students and others in the community came together for this first-ever event, which consisted of walking 11 laps because suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S.
School counselors hope people will talk more openly about suicide, to let people know there is always help available.
“I think it’s just important for everyone to get together — one, to come together because the reality is that when people die by suicide, they typically die alone, and so for us to come together, we are showing that you are not alone, and that people are here to support you no matter what,” Pike Road school counselor Jessica Elam told Action 8 News.
Anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide can dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. More information can be found from the Alabama Department of Public Health by CLICKING HERE
