The St. Lawrence County Suicide Awareness Coalition, in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, will be sponsoring its first “Chalk the Walk, Have the Talk” event Sept. 16 – 22.

Children, teens and adults are being encouraged to write chalk messages of hope and resilience on sidewalks outside their home, business, school, or church. Prizes will be awarded for Best Image, Best Message and Most Creative.

The goal of “Chalk the Walk” is spread awareness and promote suicide prevention, mental wellness, and stigma reduction in communities across the county.

In addition to entering the contest, people are being encouraged to post their chalk art to their Facebook or Instagram account and tag @St. Lawrence County Suicide Awareness Coalition and hashtag #stlcyouarenotalone

Free chalk is available so as many as possible can participate in the “Chalk the Walk” contest sponsored by the St. Lawrence County Suicide Awareness Coalition.

To pick up your free chalk, visit the Youth Advocate Program, 154 Main St., Massena; the SLC Youth Bureau, first floor of the Human Services Building, 80 NYS Hwy. 310, Canton; or the St. Lawrence Health Initiative, 6439 NYS Hwy. 56, Potsdam.

Check the St. Lawrence County Suicide Awareness Coalition Facebook page for more locations as they are added.

Suicide is a public health concern that affects many in our community. Nationwide, it is the 10th leading cause of death and the 2nd leading cause for ages 10-34.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was responsible for 48,183 deaths in 2021, which is about one death every 11 minutes.

The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. Suicide affects people of all ages.

The St. Lawrence County Suicide Awareness Coalition’s mission is to cultivate a resilient community by providing education, training, services and support in order to reduce the number of deaths by suicide in St. Lawrence County.

To contact the Coalition, phone 315-229-3871 or email [email protected].