Chances are, you know someone who has been affected by suicide in some way.
September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, and Corbin and Williamsburg are planning events to bring the community together to spread awareness and educate one another.
The first event is Bethany’s Hope “Walk of Hope and Healing,” which will take place on Sept. 13 in the green space on Main Street in Williamsburg from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This event was created in memory of Bethany Faith Lawson, who took her own life at the young age of 16.
The mission of Bethany’s Hope is to leave people better than we find them. Attendees are encouraged to wear teal and purple, as noted in their Facebook event.
For more information, check out their Facebook page and event.
Bethany’s Hope is also hosting another event on Oct. 11 at 5 p.m. for their first annual Bethany’s Hope Horse Show at Whitley County Fairgrounds. The gate price is $5 a carload.
There will be concessions and a silent auction.
For details about different categories and prices, refer to their Facebook post.
Class 1 receives a ribbon and a surprise for all participants.
Classes 2-18 will have prizes for 1st place ($15), 2nd place ($10), and 3rd place ($5).
Classes 19-22 will give 1st place winners $20, 2nd place winners $15, and 3rd place winners $10.
The next event is the “Chalk the Walk” event on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for Suicide Awareness Month, aimed at raising awareness for the community who are battling a mental health condition.
The event is hosted by Baptist Health at 1 Trillium Way in Corbin.
Their Facebook event asks people to meet outside at the Trillium Center sidewalk, where chalk will be provided.
Additionally, Corbin Baptist Health will host its 2nd Annual Behavioral Health Resource Fair in the Trillium Center gym from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Vendors will provide information about mental health community resources, as stated in their Facebook event.
There will be snacks, drinks, and a door prize.
September is also National Recovery Month, and various events are planned in connection to this.
Cumberland River Behavioral Health will hold an overdose awareness event in downtown Corbin on Sept. 20 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Nibroc Park.
This event will feature music, a guest speaker, a balloon release, resource tables, vendors, and opportunities for fellowship, all aimed at spreading awareness, healing, and community to honor lives and celebrate recovery.
For more information, check out their Facebook post.
Following that, the Overdose Awareness Memorial will be hosted by the Whitley County Health Department, Spero Health, and Horizon Health.
This memorial will take place from Sept. 22 to 26 in the Green Space on Main in Williamsburg to honor lives lost and support those who remain.
Attendees are encouraged to visit the Whitley County Health Department at 368 Penny Lane, Spero Health at 225 N. 3rd Street, or Horizon Health at 114 N. 2nd Street to add their loved one’s name to a memorial ribbon.
These ribbons will be displayed at the Green Space in downtown Williamsburg throughout the week.
If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal ideation, call the 24/7 hotline at 988 to find help.
