Chatham Mayor Speaks For Suicide Awareness, Prevention

Dear Editor:

As Mayor of Chatham Township I have made a concerted effort to increase awareness of suicide prevention. My interest in doing so stems from my early days on the Committee when I learned of a young father who died by suicide. While I did not know the individual, I committed myself, with the support of the Township Committee, to do whatever we could to help increase awareness of this important topic.

Over the years, the Township Committee has hosted several Talk Saves Lives community-based presentations in conjunction with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), replays of which can be found on the Township website (http://bit.ly/2h8VZIi).

Last year we hosted the inaugural Chatham Township Out of the Darkness Community Walk in support of the AFSP. This event was more successful then we could have imagined. The 500 walkers raised in excess of $75,000 and helped bring important awareness around suicide prevention.

This next Saturday, September 23, we will host our second annual Walk at Cougar Field beginning at 4:30. Residents from the Chathams and the surrounding communities of Summit, Madison, Millburn, Short Hills and elsewhere are participating. I encourage you to register today and join us in the fight against suicide at www.afsp.org/chathamtwp.

It’s our hope that all this walking will lead to talking, which is what we need to help remove the stigma when it comes to suicide prevention. Suicide touches one in five American families and it does not discriminate; so whether you’re able to participate this weekend or not, please consider having a conversation with your family and friends. Remind them that suicide is now the nation's tenth-leading cause of death, and the second-leading cause of death for Americans aged 15-34 years old. If we are able to help one person think twice about suicide then we will have succeeded.

Curt Ritter

Mayor, Chatham Township

Chatham Township Out of the Darkness Community Walk

The event will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, September 23rd at 4:30 PM at Cougar Field located at 320 Shunpike Road in Chatham Township. It will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Participants can register as an individual, or as a team, by visiting www.afsp.org/chathamtwp. Individuals are also encouraged to ‘Like’ the Walk’s Facebook page at http://bit.ly/29SsLI9

Registration begins at 4:30 PM, opening ceremony begins at 5:30 PM

Chatham Township Out of the Darkness Walk Sponsors:

• Gold
• The Riley Charities
• Green Village Fire Department
• Hickory Tree Landscaping
• Silver
• FreshZenGirl
• Madison Area YMCA
• Bronze
• Chatham Township PBA Local 170
• D.J. Crater LLC
• Hickory Tree Delicatessen
• Investors Bank
• The Chatham Club