Cedar Park 5K Run/Walk Promotes Suicide Awareness

CEDAR PARK, TEXAS — The scourge of suicide is a topic that largely remains taboo, the reticence to discuss the matter frustrating prevention efforts. Yet officials at Cedar Park are poised to stage their annual 5K run/walk designed to promote awareness and encourage dialogue.

Timed to occur during Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, the second annual Alan's Hope-hosted "Guitars for HOPE" event will take place on Sept. 30 at 8:30 a.m. at the Twin Lakes Park, 204 E. Little Elm Trail, in Cedar Park.

The 5K run/walk will feature live music along the route followed by health and wellness information and activities until noon. Register online or the morning of the event starting at 7:30 a.m. The event hopes to raise awareness of the issue of suicide in our community and highlight the resources available to help improve mental and physical health to prevent suicides from occurring.

Event sponsors include Williamson County, Pick with Austin, Georgetown Behavioral Health, Rock Springs, the YMCA of Greater Williamson County, Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, the WilCo Wellness Alliance and the Salvation Army - Williamson County. For more information, contact Tammy Smith at 512-260-4280 or emailtsmith@wilco.org.

Officials note that suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the Bluebonnet Trails crisis hotline at 1-800-841-1255 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Factors that are a safeguard against suicide and suicidal behaviors include high self-esteem, social connectedness, problem-solving skills, and supportive family and friends. Friends and family members can look for warning signs to determine if someone is at risk for harming themselves. For information on suicide prevention and mental health, visithttp://www.texassuicideprevention.org/.

Alan’s Hope was formed in 2011 as a subcommittee of the Williamson County Behavioral Health Task Force focused on suicide prevention. The committee was named in memory of Round Rock resident Alan Carter Villaruz-Curley who was a victim of suicide in 2010. Alan’s Hope is dedicated to preventing suicides by promoting hope, awareness and support in Williamson County communities.

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