Dear Editor,

On Sunday, April 28, 2019, Jerry’s Walk — Illuminating Suicide Awareness held its third annual suicide prevention walk in St. Clairsville.

The event is an opportunity to encourage an open conversation around suicide with a goal of removing the stigma attached to what is truly a public health crisis.

That stigma results in silence that tragically causes so many who are suffering to not seek the help they need and deserve. The walk also allows those who have survived a loss to suicide to come together and offer each other support.

Jerry’s Walk wishes to thank everyone who came out to walk with us — your presence alone advanced the cause of suicide prevention — and all of those who were not able to join us for the walk, but who were so generous in their monetary and in-kind donations.

We extend a special thank you to each of our committed volunteers, who unselfishly donated their time and energy to make certain the walk was a success.

Jerry’s Walk is especially grateful to its sponsors who made this year’s event possible. Specifically, we thank Kroger; United Garage Door Company; United Garage Door Company, Columbus; United Garage Door Company, Pittsburgh; Toothman Funeral Homes; Belmont Savings Bank; Ochsenbine Custom Apparel; Mental Health & Recovery Board; St. Clairsville Rotary; CARE Funeral & Cremation Specialists; Wheeling Nailers Booster Club; Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream; Family Dentistry, St. Clairsville; the Jim & Mary Gaffney Family; Katherine Morehouse & Dave Gordon; Panera Bread, St. Clairsville; Colerain Golf Car Sales; and Print N’ Copy, St. Clairsville.

Jerry’s Walk is committed to working with the community in the coming year to raise awareness around suicide prevention. Information on our efforts may be found at www.jerryswalk.org, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

The Jerry Williams Family

St. Clairsville