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.

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.

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. Jerry’s daughter organized the walk to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of mental health awareness.

Participants had the opportunity to walk and donate a suicide pinwheel in memory of someone they have lost. They also had access to community resources through various mental health experts from Belmont County and the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation who were present at the event. Additionally, participants could sign up for an auction that raised funds for suicide prevention efforts in Belmont County.

Overall, Jerry’s Walk was a powerful reminder that we must remove the stigma surrounding suicide and open up about mental health issues in order to create a more accepting environment for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.