The Suicide Prevention Task Force will host a Suicide Prevention Glow Run at 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8 at Veterans Memorial Park.
In the six years since the task force’s inception, an annual 5K Run/Walk event has been held to raise awareness and funds for programs. In recent years, this event has been held near sunset and the runners and walkers wear glow necklaces and bracelets.
The Glow Run includes a Remembrance Ceremony for all those who have lost their lives to suicide.
Registration and check-in begin at 6:30 p.m. The Remembrance Ceremony at 7 p.m. will be followed by the warm-up and the run/walk beginning at 7:45 p.m. It will wrap up with an awards ceremony.
Look for more information online or at either The Center for Counseling and Consultation or the Barton County Health Department websites.
Grant money and money raised by the Glow Run has been used to train area professionals and school personnel on suicide signs and prevention. Funding has also been used to sponsor Luke Maxwell, a suicide survivor, to speak with all area middle school and high school youth, as well as the general public. The Task Force has also provided funding for the Yellow Ribbon campaign in area schools, a performance at Barton Community College, and radio and print messages.
Free show at Golden Belt Cinema 6
On Sept. 10, free showings of the film, “Suicide, The Ripple Effect,” will be held at Golden Belt Cinema 6, 1222 Kansas Ave. in Great Bend.
Kevin Hines survived his suicide attempt off the Golden Gate Bridge. According to his web-site, Hines is now a world-renowned mental health advocate, motivational speaker and author who travels the globe spreading his message of hope, recovery and wellness.
All attendees will receive a free popcorn and drink. There are six shows, starting at 4:45 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. The movie is suitable for children 10 years of age and older, and it is suggested that parents watch the trailer to make a decision about their child viewing the film.
Suicide Prevention Task Force
The Suicide Prevention Task Force was started in January of 2012 by a group of individuals concerned with the high rate of suicides in our community.
The group first began meeting at the Barton County Health Department and invited members from The Center, as well as individuals from the community, hospitals, churches, schools, law enforcement and college to come together to devise a plan to better educate people regarding depression and steps to prevent suicide.
Eventually, the Task Force evolved into the Central Kansas Partnership Suicide Prevention Task Force. The Mission of the group is: To raise awareness of suicide prevention and to provide for community suicide prevention education. Sharon Engle lost her 21 year old grandson, Robert Shewbart, to suicide in 2012. She joined the group shortly after it started, and is passionate about spreading the message of signs and symptoms of depression to prevent others from experiencing her pain. New members are always welcome.
