The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach will host an Awareness Walk to promote the 988 National Suicide Crisis Hotline at 6:00 pm on September 19, 2024. Participants will walk from Wadsworth Park in Flagler Beach, located at 2200 Moody Blvd., over the SR 100 bridge to Veterans Park, located at 101 N Ocean Shore Blvd., where they will gather for a brief ceremony.
All are welcome to attend this free event that aims to bring the community together to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the critical resources available through the 988 hotline.
“We invite all community members to join us for this important awareness walk that we are hosting in honor of September being National Suicide Prevention Month. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone knows about the life-saving resource that is the 988 hotline,” said Karen Pastoriza Williams, president of the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach.
Anyone wishing to participate should arrive at Wadsworth Park at 5:30 pm. After a brief welcome, the walk will begin at 6:00 pm. Participants are encouraged, if possible, to wear purple and/or teal, the colors of suicide prevention awareness. Advanced registration is not required. After the walk, Savannah Prince, Program Lead/CRPS Y.F.A for Flagler OARS will speak about her suicide loss and the importance of educating everyone on mental and emotional health.
The 988 National Suicide Crisis Hotline is a vital resource for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. By dialing 988, callers are connected to trained counselors who provide immediate support and connect them with local resources. This service is crucial in preventing suicides and offering hope to those in distress. Raising awareness about the 988 hotline ensures that more people know where to turn in times of need, potentially saving lives.
