Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Coalition Concludes Week of Prevention Events, Raises Nearly $10,500

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The Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Coalition concluded a week of community prevention events that brought together 139 walkers and runners and raised nearly $10,500 through registrations, donations, and sponsorships.

The week began with the 2026 Suicide Prevention Walk on Sunday, September 20, at the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department. The walk drew 61 participants, with 10 organizations providing information and resources at community tables.

“The event wouldn’t be possible without the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department hosting this event each year,” said Alicia Ruperd, Chair of the Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Coalition. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to support our mission and goal of providing suicide prevention education, resources, and continued support to those who need mental health services in the North County.”

Throughout the week, businesses, schools, organizations, and community members also participated in “Chalk the Walk,” creating inspiring sidewalk messages to support people experiencing mental health challenges and honor those lost to suicide.

The week concluded on September 26 with the inaugural Color Walk/Run for Suicide Prevention: Run with Purpose, Run for Life at Thompson Park in Watertown. Created through a partnership between the Children’s Home of Jefferson County and the Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Coalition, the event welcomed 78 runners and walkers and featured four organizations sharing local services and resources, further strengthening suicide prevention and mental health awareness, fundraising, and community connection.

“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support throughout the week,” said Beth Solar, Co-Chair of the Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Coalition. “The participation of residents, organizations, sponsors, and volunteers shows how committed Jefferson County is to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and strengthening suicide prevention resources.”

Nearly $10,500 was raised across the week through registrations, donations, and sponsorships. Funds will support local prevention resources, including mental health training, community engagement and education, gun safety kits, and coordinated supports throughout Jefferson County.

The coalition thanks presenting sponsor Samaritan Medical Center and gold sponsor PIVOT for helping make the week’s events possible. The coalition also recognizes the participating organizations, volunteers, donors, and community members whose involvement contributed to the events’ success.

Together, the Suicide Prevention Walk and Color Walk/Run engaged 139 participants and 14 organization tables across the two in-person events, extending prevention education and resource connections throughout the community.

The Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Coalition is made up of health agencies, community organizations, and individual members united by a shared commitment to preventing suicide deaths. Through collaboration, the coalition provides suicide prevention training, coordinates local resources, and supports diverse and inclusive community partnerships to advance its mission.

For more information about the Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Coalition and its programs, visit www.jeffersoncountysuicideprevention.com.