Dear Editor:

On Sunday, April 30, 2023, Jerry’s Walk — Illuminating Suicide Awareness held its 7th 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 avoid seeking 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.

We are also grateful to all of those who were not able to join us for the Walk, but who generously donated to our work.

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 the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation; the James M. and Elizabeth Osborne Charitable Giving Fund; the Mental Health & Recovery Board Belmont, Harrison and Monroe Counties; WVU Medicine; Toothman Funeral Homes; Belmont Savings; NAMI Greater Wheeling; Wheeling Nailers Booster Club and Kroger.

We also are grateful for the support of CARE Funeral and Cremation Specialists; Lee & Associates Certified Public Accountants. And a special thanks to Colerain Golf Car sales for providing a much-needed golf cart on the day of the Walk.

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.

Jerry’s Walk — Illuminating Suicide Awareness

The Jerry Williams Family

Bexley, Ohio