Lifeline 5k run/walk to raise awareness of suicide prevention

By G. ANTHONIE RIIS | GOLD STANDARD STAFF WRITERSeptember 6, 2018

Lifeline 5k run/walk to raise awareness of suicide prevention
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For National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Fort Knox Army Substance Abuse Program will host its third annual Lifeline 5k Run/Walk in Natcher Gym's large parking lot Friday at 6:30 a.m. to raise awareness on suicide and the importance of su... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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For National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Fort Knox Army Substance Abuse Program will host its third annual Lifeline 5k Run/Walk in Natcher Gym's large parking lot Friday at 6:30 a.m. to raise awareness on suicide and the importance of suicide prevention.

This event is held as a time of remembrance for those who have lost a loved one to suicide, and to promote hope and healing.

"We use this month to help promote resources and awareness around the issues of suicide prevention, how we can help others, and how to talk about suicide without increasing the risk of harm," said Angela Williams, Suicide Prevention Program manager.

Williams said that in this way, people can be empowered by revealing their experiences and remembering their loved ones who have left them.

"We share stories in an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic," Williams said. "It's important that we encourage Soldiers and Army civilians to seek help when needed, so together we can build a suicide-safe community."

Williams added that events like the Lifeline run/walk provide those left behind a means to do something in a situation that can often feel helpless. "We promote resources that might help people seek help when needed," Williams said. "This is a time we make ourselves aware. We can connect individuals with suicidal ideations to treatment services, and [we] learn how to reach out to those affected by suicide."

Williams said that the run/walk emphasizes the Army's commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of its Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and families, and she encouraged patrons to wear purple or turquoise, signifying the Army's commitment to suicide prevention.

The run/walk event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Williams at (502) 624-7374.

Gold Standard file photo

For National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Fort Knox Army Substance Abuse Program will host its third annual Lifeline 5k Run/Walk in Natcher Gym's large parking lot Friday at 6:30 a.m. to raise awareness on suicide and the importance of suicide prevention.