Sept. 11 event to raise suicide awareness, encourage prevention efforts
Prevent Suicide Taylor County will host its annual #WalkTogether for Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Awareness on Thursday, September 11, at Medford City Park. Walk registration and activities begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by the program at 5 p.m.
Participants can take part in activities such as rock painting, luminary bags, a memorial wall, seed planting, and bracelet or keychain making, along with resource sharing. The program will feature stories, songs, and messages of hope, followed by a 1.4-mile walk around the Medford Mill Pond.
The free community event also includes two sessions of QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training, offered immediately after the program and again at 6:15 PM. Guests can enjoy free pizza, root beer floats, and bottled water throughout the evening.
In addition, several items will be available for purchase while supplies last, with 100% of proceeds supporting suicide prevention and awareness efforts. These include: T-shirts designed by local students; Man Therapy “Can’t Fix Mental Health with Duct Tape” items; and HOPE bags Additional shirt designs, colors, bulk ordering, and personalization options are available online at www. blackriverindustries.org/suicide-awareness.
#WalkTogether is made possible thanks to support from Medford County Market, Aspirus Medford, Decker Sanitation, Nestlé, Little Hearts Project, Melvin, Prevent Suicide Taylor County partners, and generous community donations.
Can’t attend in person? Organizers encourage residents to create their own walk or remembrance activity—invite a friend, bring family, or walk with a pet—and share photos, stories, or messages of support at www.facebook. com/PreventSuicideTaylorCounty.
Additionally, the Taylor County Board passed a resolution on August 26, 2025, recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month. The resolution encourages residents to learn the warning signs of suicide, talk openly about mental health to reduce stigma, support those who may be struggling, and share resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening prevention efforts, supporting those impacted by suicide, and fostering a county where every person feels valued and connected.
