Suicide Awareness Walk draws crowd of supporters
According to the Nebraska statewide suicide prevention plan 2022-225, the state suicide rate is 14.9 per 100,000 people, and the No. 2 leading cause of death for residents ages 10 to 24. On September 17, the Suicide Awareness Walk was held in Sidney.
By News Channel NebraskaSIDNEY -- The second Suicide Awareness Walk was held at the Sidney High School track September 17.
Cheyenne County Sheriff Adam Frerichs opened the event. He encouraged Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training.
"One thing that I learned when I took a QPR training is it's OK to ask somebody if they are suicidal. It used to be kind of taboo. We didn't want to do that. We didn't want to talk about it. We didn't want to bring it up," Frerichs said.
The event, by Be Here, is a celebration of life, a chance to support surviving families and friends.
"We started these walks back in 2018 when we lost our second oldest son to suicide. It was kind of a way for us to get out and I guess find like people that have been through the same situation. Since then, it's kind of blossomed from there. We've made a lot of friends, made a lot of friends who are now family, and it's just a good thing to get out there and raise the awareness, and hopefully make a difference," said David Dye.
Several families were present who had personal stories of loss due to suicide.
"Unfortunately, our family has been affected by suicide a lot. I lost my father to suicide 20 years ago, I've lost several cousins, close friends that I've grown up with have also 'unlived' themselves. It's just something I'm really passionate about," said Misty Buetler.
Nancy Gipfert spoke about the importance nationally, and in Sidney.
"I think it's important not just in every state in the United States, but Sidney particularly. My heart's in it. I probably would have never gotten involved in something like this had my son not committed suicide three years ago. I wanted his suicide to open up the eyes of some other people. I didn't want it to be for naught," Gipfert said.
Kayden Rodgers attended the Walk with Beth Jallen to celebrate his deceased father who died from suicide when Kayden was seven.
"It's important to be here for the families who have lost, and are still struggling and to celebrate those who have passed and it's important for the families to be here too, so they can find other families to help support them," Rodgers said.