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Baptist Health hosts virtual Chalk the Walk for suicide prevention

Richmond Register - 9/10/2020

Sep. 10--As a part of National Suicide Prevention Week, Baptist Health Richmond is hosting their second annual Chalk the Walk event to raise awareness for those who may be struggling with mental health.

But the event looks a bit different in its second year, as it will be held virtually on Thursday via Facebook Live in accordance with safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Either in-person or virtual, officials at Baptist Health Richmond are hoping to shed more light on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially during the pandemic.

"Right now with the climate, the spread for suicide awareness is more vital," Katelyn Arvin, Baptist Health Richmond Behavioral Health clinical manager, said.

Although the event can't be in-person this year, officials still want to get the community involved by sharing their own positive sidewalk messages etched in chalk.

Chalking materials will be available at the Baptist Health Richmond Security checkpoint from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. so community partners can drive through and pick up chalk to use at their local businesses and organizations in order to help spread messages of hope and encouragement.

"Our hope is to be able to give folks in the community a box of chalk to start their own conversation and create illustrations for hope, as well," Arvin told The Register. "It can be a remembrance of a loss, something to bring awareness and they can have a larger platform."

Positive affirmations, quotes, thoughts, or anything that can be put into a visualization to spark community support, is welcome.

The kick-off event for Chalk the Walk will be streamed on Facebook LIVE at 10:00 a.m. on Baptist Health Richmond's Facebook page. Officials encourage those who participate to post on social media.

"Suicide awareness and prevention is about creating space for hope," Arvin said. "We want individuals in our community to know they are never completely alone. Every human being matters and by coming together as a community, I hope we can create a culture of empowerment and hope," said Arvin. "No one should have to struggle in silence. Chalk the Walk is a visual representation of a community coming together to support one another. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness."

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. Baptist Health Richmond's helpline is available for support 24 hours a day. Their number is 859-544-8171.

The live stream for the Chalk the Walk event will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Reach Taylor Six at 624-6695 or follow her on Twitter at @TaylorSixRR.

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