During this National Suicide Prevention Month, there will be a couple of opportunities for local residents to join the fight. At 9 a.m. Saturday, The Walk to Remember will be on the front lawn of the Marietta Armory. At 11:30 a.m. Sept. 28, the Mid-Ohio Valley Out of the Darkness Walk will be held at City Park in Parkersburg.

Suicide Awareness Alliance of Washington County board member Karen Anderson said the focus of Saturday’s event is on not just awareness, but also on giving people an opportunity to talk about their experiences — perhaps losing a loved one or even having attempted suicide.

“The (purpose of) the walk is to do awareness, prevention and remembrance for families affected by suicide,” Anderson said.

Part of that prevention involves knowing the signs, and how to react to them.

“Had I been educated I would’ve known what to look for and how to help him,” Anderson said of her father, who died by suicide ten years ago.

Money raised by the alliance is used for awareness, education and other activities. It is used to help connect people with resources that provide support and could save lives.

The American Federation for Suicide Prevention provides information at afsp.org.

But for those with a greater sense of urgency, it is important to remember the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Ohio.

It is for those experiencing thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis or any other kind of emotional distress. Ohio’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services wants the lifeline to remind people “There is HOPE. … You are not alone in crisis.”

Those who take part in the local walks this month will surely know they are not alone in their need to connect, support one another and try to shine a light for those struggling in the dark.