Community Unites for 7th Annual Walk to Raise Mental Health Awareness

On Saturday, community members gathered at Catawba College’s Shuford Stadium before sunrise for the seventh annual Into the Light suicide and mental health awareness walk, hosted by Rowan County United Way. The event commenced at 6:30 a.m., with attendees donning purple to signify their support for mental health initiatives.

Participants filled the stadium’s walkways, seeking information about mental health resources available in Rowan County. Various organizations, including Salisbury Pride and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line, set up booths to provide details on support groups and hotlines for individuals grappling with mental health issues or those mourning loved ones lost to suicide. Attendees wore colored wristbands, each representing their personal connection to the cause, whether in memory of someone lost or as a show of support.

As the group walked the track, names, photographs, and heartfelt messages from participants about loved ones lost to suicide were displayed on a screen. Jenny Lee, Executive Director of United Way, read aloud the names of those lost while a bell rang for each individual. The atmosphere was a blend of solemn remembrance and supportive camaraderie, with some walking in quiet reflection while others engaged in lively conversation.

Personal Stories of Loss and Healing

Following the walk, the United Way staff addressed the crowd. The program began with a prayer, followed by remarks from Justin Tyler Owens, Dean of Students at Catawba College. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting mental health conversations, emphasizing the importance of openly discussing these issues.

Jim Behmer, President of the United Way Board of Directors, shared a personal story of loss. In 2000, his aunt, Kim McGrath Millin, took her own life while serving as a high school teacher in Virginia. Behmer recounted the profound impact her death had on her students, many of whom spoke at her memorial service. He reflected on a poignant comment made by one of her students: “Good people make what they believe are good decisions at the time they are making them in the circumstances they are in.”

Behmer’s experience catalyzed his dedication to mental health awareness and the importance of grieving openly. He expressed how attending the event has helped him process his loss and encouraged discussions about mental health within his family.

Next, Micah Ennis, Vice President of the United Way Board of Directors, shared her own story of loss. After attending her first Into the Light walk in 2022, she realized she had not fully processed the death of her eldest brother, David Michael Melton, who died by suicide in July 2006. Ennis described her brother as having a complex personality, oscillating between generosity and volatility, which strained their relationship.

Reflecting on their final years together, she spoke about the painful decision to limit his contact with family due to his behavior. Ennis carried guilt after his passing, questioning if she could have done more to support him. Through her journey of grief, she has come to appreciate the complexities of love and loss.

Community Support and Resources

Community Outreach Coordinator Ali Edwards expressed gratitude to attendees and highlighted the significance of their presence. She emphasized that collective mourning can transform into meaningful action. “Just by being here, you are making a difference,” Edwards stated, reinforcing the need for improved mental health support.

Looking ahead, Tameka Brown, a grief counselor with Healthy Rowan, announced the launch of a bi-monthly support group for survivors of suicide loss called Reaching Into the Light, starting on October 21, 2023. This group is free and open to all adult residents of Rowan County. Additionally, the county has partnered with Daymark Recovery Services to establish a 24/7 behavioral health urgent care facility, offering immediate support for mental health crises without income restrictions.

While the event was not a direct fundraiser, it successfully garnered over $18,000 in sponsorships for Rowan United Way, aimed at bolstering local mental health services. As the event concluded, Jenny Lee, joined by the other speakers, encouraged attendees to honor the names spoken and the lives affected by mental health struggles.

“Take one more look at that beautiful sun, find hope, know that you are loved and remember to check on your people,” she urged, reminding everyone of the importance of community and support in the ongoing fight for mental health awareness.