Suicide prevention walk in Charles City aims to bring awareness

Sometimes getting a message across is as simple as making someone aware of a situation. For Pamela Lampkin, those messages can be the difference of life and death. So Lampkin walks.

Lampkin walks as part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a charity event that raises awareness about suicide.

Lampkin’s story for walking began on Jan. 30, 2012. On that day, her son committed suicide. While she was emotional, she knew she needed time for healing and prayer. Lampkin did not sit on the sidelines; she started going to different events to help her understand how she could make a difference. Now, one of those events takes place on Saturday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. at Charles City High School.

Lampkin sites issues with drugs, alcohol, societal pressures, and social media as some of the reasons suicides take place. She says that suicide can affect anybody at any time. From the elderly, youth bullied in schools, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in responders and veterans, Lampkin says sharing stories and information is a way to express love and support of those who had loved ones pass as a result of suicide.

Saturday’s event will commence with a lap in memory of those who were lost, serving as a time to reflect. The day isn’t all about sadness of those who are lost, but will be filled with voices, communication, information, and support of a community that often is left in silence.

Lampkin’s goal is to have attendees come out and share stories so that the next life can be saved. She hopes the message that nobody is alone and that if you have thoughts about suicide, there are those people who can help and want to help.