Vincennes University officials on Saturday held the fourth annual Knox County Suicide Prevention Walk.
As communities nationwide grapple with growing mental health concerns, Vincennes University, in partnership with the Family Health Center, Children and Family Services, Mental Health America of Knox County and the Knox County Health Department, hosted the event, which raises awareness for suicide and provides a platform for open conversations about mental health.
“Now more than ever, it’s essential that we come together as a community to address the mental health challenges many are facing,” said Kathleen Evans, a licensed clinical social worker and a representative at the walk from the VU Counseling Center. “Events like the Knox County Suicide Prevention Walk are vital in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and providing hope to those who are struggling.”
The walk, too, attempts to foster community support and build relationships with local agencies that provide resources to those in need of help. Too, those who have lost their lives to suicide are honored as a part of the day’s activities.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows increases in suicide rates across the United States, particularly among young adults and marginalized groups, according to a press release issued by the university. In Indiana alone, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death, underscoring the urgent need for community-driven initiatives and accessible mental health resources.
A 2024 State of Mental Health in America Report also said nearly 60 million adults have experienced a mental illness in the last year, and about 5% of adults have reported serious thoughts of suicide, the release states.
Participants in the walk connected with local mental health advocates and learned about available resources while participating in remembrance and solidarity. The event drew attendees from all over Knox County, uniting individuals from various backgrounds in a shared commitment to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
“As mental health continues to be a pressing issue in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic challenges, and the pressures of modern life, community initiatives like this walk play a critical role in supporting individuals and families,
said VU Provost Dr. Laura Treanor. “Vincennes University and its partners hope that by bringing the conversation into the open, they can help dismantle barriers to seeking help and encourage those in need.”
