The “5K Foot Pursuit — In Pursuit of Suicide Awareness” will kick off at 9 a.m. on Sunday at Liberty-Benton High School.
FINDLAY, Ohio — The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office will host an inaugural 5K this weekend to raise awareness for suicide prevention in the community.
The “5K Foot Pursuit — In Pursuit of Suicide Awareness” will kick off at 9 a.m. on Sunday at Liberty-Benton High School, west of Findlay.
“This run and walk is more than just a community gather; it is a call to action,” county Sheriff Michael Cortez said in a press release on Thursday.
The sheriff added that since September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, it’s important for the community to come together to support each other, especially those who are struggling with their mental health.
“Mental health challenges do not discriminate. They affect family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues right here in Hancock County. Too often, those who are suffering do so in silence, carrying burdens alone that no one should have to carry,” Cortez said. “Since 2021, we have lost 38 community members who have suffered in silence to this horrific tragedy.”
Cortez encouraged everyone in Hancock County to work together in the effort. This includes participating in the 5K, volunteering or just checking in with others through a simple act of kindness.
“Walk or run in memory of a loved one or join us and stand in solidarity as a community against suicide and let all people know, they are supported and we need them to continue our fight against the stigma of mental health in our community,” Cortez said.
The National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support for anyone in distress and resources for anyone who may need help. By dialing 988, you can be connected with a local crisis center 24/7 for help. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.
The Lucas County Emotional Support Line is available at 419-442-0580 from 8 a.m. to midnight and offers peer support.
If you want to talk to someone and are not in immediate danger, Text “HOME” to 741741 to be connected to the Crisis Text Line and a trained counselor. There is no charge and the information will not show up on your phone bill. You can also chat online at www.crisistextline.org.
If you are a young member of the LGBTQ+ community and need help in any way, call the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386. Calls made to the Trevor Project are free and kept confidential.
Emergency Mental Health Support
The Lucas County Crisis CARE Line is available at 419-904-2273 to connect with a local, trained crisis counselor to discuss a mental health emergency 24/7.
The Wood County Crisis Line offers immediate assistance by calling 419-502-4673.
If a situation involves immediate danger to you or a loved one, NAMI Greater Toledo says calling 911 and talking with police may be necessary. It is important to tell 911 that it is a psychiatric emergency and ask for police officers trained in crisis intervention.
This article was published by Andrew Bailey on 2025-09-04 22:39:00
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