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In appreciation

Be aware – you may just save someone’s life

To the editor:

Suicide is a national public health crisis in the United States and the nation’s 10th leading cause of death. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) wants to be sure you take care of your mental health during these challenging times. Suicide is complex. No one takes their life for a single reason.

Did you know the first Sunday of every October, the Huntingdon, Mifflin and Juniata County Commissioners have proclaimed it to be Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day? Did you know that Sunday, Oct. 4 the Juniata Valley held its annual Out of the Darkness Walks at Detwiler Field-Huntingdon and Kish Park-Lewistown? This year we offered a virtual walk with a twist and provided resource and awareness materials via a drive-thru.

The Walk Committees wish to recognize businesses and agencies who contributed and supported our efforts to share the importance of Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Education. With the greatest appreciation, we then SKILLS-the Journey Goes On, SKILLS-Juniata County Drop In Center, SKILLS-Vocational Training Services, Juniata Valley Tri-County Drug & Alcohol, River Church of Juniata County, Shy Bear Brewing, Pour Tour of the Juniata River Valley, Service Access and Management Inc., Friendship Fire Company, Merakey, Alltrista, Community Services Group, Mexico Market, Broad Top Medical Center, CenClear, Juniata College-Glaeser Center, AmeriCorps VISTA, Compass Community Connections, Clarion Psychiatric Center, Center for Community Resources, Shade Mountain Naturals, IFC Services, Beward Pharmacy, Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services, Primary Health Network, Sarah’s Primitives, team RAM-BRO, Juniata Valley Healing Connections, Community Care Behavioral Health and all the walk participants who donated, drove through the parks and joined us on Facebook Live for our virtual events. Together we will build a culture that is smarter about mental health!

Today you are encouraged to become aware of the signs and symptoms that can lead to suicide and learn how intervention can save someone’s life. Visit afsp.org or our county walk Facebook pages.

Lisa Bollinger

Lewistown

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