Our coalition began in 2015, growing out of the first-ever Suicide Awareness 5K held in Scioto County, Ohio. The event was hosted by Shawnee Family Health Center and the Behavioral Health Board of Adams, Lawrence, and Scioto Counties, along with dedicated community agencies and individuals who volunteered their time, passion, and expertise to bring the event to life.

What began as a single event sparked something much bigger—a shared commitment to bringing our community together to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding suicide, and work toward preventing suicide in Scioto County.

From that effort, our community coalition was formed. Since then, we have continued to build partnerships, provide education and resources, and create opportunities for our community to come together around suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

One of the meaningful initiatives that grew from our work is an annual $1,000 scholarship through the Scioto Foundation. The scholarship is awarded to a high school or college student who has been personally affected by suicide. Through this scholarship, we hope to honor the experiences of those impacted by suicide while supporting a student's educational goals and future.

Our story is one of community, compassion, remembrance, and hope. What started with people coming together for a 5K has grown into an ongoing commitment to making sure no one has to face their struggles alone.

Together, we continue to raise awareness, build connections, provide education, and work toward a community where suicide prevention is everyone's responsibility.