Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Walk to Kick Off Week of Prevention Events

The Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Coalition will launch a week of suicide prevention events with its Annual Suicide Prevention Walk in Clayton.

The 2026 Suicide Prevention Walk will take place Sunday, September 20, at the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department, 855 Graves St., Clayton. Registration begins at 11 a.m.

Last year’s walk, held Sunday, September 14, 2025, raised $5,900 for local suicide prevention initiatives. This year, the coalition aims to build on that support and expand prevention efforts throughout the year.

The annual walk brings together families, friends, and community members to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and offer hope. Participants walk in solidarity to remember loved ones lost to suicide, support those who are struggling, and raise funds for suicide prevention training, education, and resource coordination across Jefferson County.

“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support this event has had over the years,” said Beth Solar, Co-Chair of the Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Coalition. “Community support continues to show just how important this annual event is and how prevention and awareness resources are needed in Jefferson County.”

Solar said funds raised through the walk help the coalition expand key prevention resources, including mental health training, community engagement and education, gun safety kits, and other local supports.

Event proceeds come from community donations from businesses and individuals, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction. Organizations throughout Jefferson County also participate by sharing information about services and resources that support mental health initiatives and suicide prevention efforts.

The coalition will also host “Chalk the Walk” from September 20–26 to continue raising awareness. Businesses, schools, organizations, and community members are encouraged to create inspiring sidewalk messages that show support for people struggling with mental health challenges and honor those lost to suicide.

The week will conclude with the new Color Walk/Run for Suicide Prevention: Run with Purpose, Run for Life on September 26 at Thompson Park in Watertown. Participants will pass through multiple vibrant color stations while raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.

Sponsorship opportunities, vendor spaces, and informational tabling will be available for the Color Walk/Run. Additional details are expected in mid-July.

The Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Coalition is made up of health agencies, community organizations, and individual members united by a shared commitment to preventing suicide deaths. Through collaboration, the coalition provides suicide prevention training, coordinates local resources, and supports diverse and inclusive community partnerships to advance its mission.

For more information or to register for the 2026 Suicide Prevention Walk, visit www.jeffersoncountysuicideprevention.com.