Walk to prevent suicide coming to Columbus Saturday
Residents will have the opportunity to lace up their shoes to help efforts to prevent suicide this weekend.
By News Channel NebraskaCOLUMBUS - Residents will have the opportunity to lace up their shoes to help efforts to prevent suicide this weekend.
Cynthia Makovicka is a volunteer for the local Out of the Darkness Walk Committee. She said the walk has happened for decades in towns across the country, but that Columbus is about to have its first one this Saturday at Pawnee Park Memorial Stadium.
Makovicka said 2018 was a hard year for Columbus in regards to suicides, so she decided to make something happen.
“Last year about this time, we had lost about eight people within two months," she said. "It was about then that I decided I can do more to help.”
Makovicka said she got the ball rolling to bring the walk to town.
Its goal is to not only raise awareness of suicide, but also raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which works to educate, provide support, resources and the treatment that's needed.
“If you are aware somebody needs help, you can help them," Makovicka said. "If you are battling depression or if you aren’t sure how to handle your feelings, you can find somebody through open communication. You can talk because talk saves lives.”
Again, the walk is at 2 p.m. Saturday at Pawnee Park Memorial Stadium.
You can donate or register for the event online at: https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=6520&fbclid=IwAR0EVQgZvEr-TfYSMjfTp4zOqTINPxK6lDE_UOb0eeBFky5R8v_gxh43MHA
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or text TALK 741-741.