South Texas Health System to host ‘Chalk the Walk’ suicide prevention awareness event

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13.2 million Americans considered committing suicide in 2022.

In addition, 3.8 million made a suicide plan, and 1.6 million attempted suicide.

Per the CDC, one person dies by suicide in the U.S. every 11 minutes, making it a leading cause of death and a serious public health problem.

To help raise awareness for suicide prevention in the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas Health System Behavioral will host its third annual Chalk The Walk: Hope & Inspiration Walk.

Before and after the program and walk, attendees can embrace their creativity by “chalking up” the main parking lot and driveways around the facility with their own words of comfort and optimism for those struggling.

“Everyone plays a role in helping prevent suicide. From learning how to identify the warning signs and opening the lines of communication for frank conversations about suicide with those who you suspect may be struggling to create positive and supportive social relationships and strong community connections, we can all help save precious lives by dampening the effects of risk factors in people’s lives,” said Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the South Texas Health System Behavioral main parking lot at 2102 W. Trenton Rd. in Edinburg.

STHS reminds the public if you or someone you know is struggling, help is available by calling the STHS Behavioral Referral and Assessment Department.

For a confidential assessment, call (956) 388-1300. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.