Hundreds of people gathered to walk and run in support of mental health and suicide awareness at the St. Clair College SportsPlex Sunday morning.
The ninth annual Suicide Awareness Community Walk, organized by the Canadian Mental Health Association on Sept. 29, 2024, was a way to remember those lost to suicide, but also support friends and family members who may be struggling and fight the stigma around suicide and mental health.
"Suicide Awareness Month not only increases public understanding but also mobilizes efforts to prevent suicide through education, advocacy, and community support. Raising awareness can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage those struggling to seek help, ultimately saving lives," said Nicole Sbrocca, the CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Windsor-Essex County Branch.
St. Clair College Alumnus Of Distinction Dan MacDonald was the guest emcee for the event and St. Clair College President Michael Silvaggi addressed the crowd prior to the walk.
"By gathering in this huge manner, we seek to emphasize that there are many, many people who are always available and eager to lend an ear, a hand, and a heart to anyone in need," said President Silvaggi. "This assembly of hundreds of caring people, serves as a visual symbol that no one in distress need cope with their difficulties and demons solely on their own."
"We may be walking today, but we'll run to you in your time of need, to counsel and console you, to listen, to re-assure, and to seek out help and solutions together," President Silvaggi said.
To support local efforts, the College, Alumni Association, Student Representative Council and the Saints Student Athletic Association contributed $5,000 towards the cause.
Funds raised by pledgers and other donors will stay local, supporting mental health education and training, including suicide prevention at CMHA-WECB.
Student Representative Council President Rishi Vatish also spoke prior to the run and walk, highlighting the ever-increasing need for mental health supports and services.
"Fostering mental health services has become one of the student council's chief jobs," said Vatish. "This is a crisis that is devastating our generation, so it is not just our desire to play a role in fixing it, it is our duty."
On average, 4,500 Canadians die by suicide each year in Canada, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
That's more than 12 people each day. It is the second leading cause of death for those under the age of 25. In Windsor-Essex, from 2012 through 2021, more than 770 people have died by suicide, with a spike in 2021.
While September is officially designated as Suicide Awareness Month in Windsor, CMHA-WECB works throughout the year to generate awareness and provide important training, including safeTALK and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.
