Flagler Beach Rotary Club Reschedules 988 Suicide Prevention Awareness Walk for Nov. 20
The Floridant/10320811

PALM COAST, Fla. - Floridant -- The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach will host an awareness walk to promote the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, beginning at Wadsworth Park in Flagler Beach.

The event, rescheduled from Sept. 25 due to rain, is free and open to the public. Participants will walk from Wadsworth Park over the State Road 100 bridge to Veterans Park for a brief ceremony. Free T-shirts will be distributed to those who arrive by 5:15 p.m. Advanced registration is not required.

Organizers hope to bring the community together to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the critical resources available through the 988 hotline.

"The 988 Lifeline is a critical resource that saves lives, and we want every member of our community to know help is just three numbers away," said Bob Snyder, president of Rotary Club of Flagler Beach. "By walking together, we're sending a powerful message that support is available and that no one has to face a crisis alone. Flagler Beach is a community that cares."

The 988 National Suicide Crisis Hotline provides free, confidential support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. By dialing 988, callers are connected to trained counselors who provide immediate support and connect them with local resources. This service is crucial in preventing suicides and offering hope to those in distress. Raising awareness about the 988 hotline ensures that more people know where to turn in times of need, potentially saving lives.

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Suicide ranks among the top 10 leading causes of death nationwide, resulting in approximately one death every 11 minutes. It is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34, the fourth leading cause for ages 35-54, and the eighth leading cause for ages 55-64.

In 2023, Flagler County recorded 21 deaths by suicide, representing a rate of 16.3 per 100,000 residents compared to Florida's statewide rate of 15.7.

The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach is committed to addressing local needs and supporting initiatives that improve the well-being of our community members. Promoting the 988 National Suicide Crisis Hotline is an especially important initiative of Rotary Club of Flagler Beach during September, National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Public outdoor signs promoting 988, high school poster contests, municipal proclamations, social media campaigns and other activities are among the activities planned by Rotary Club of Flagler Beach. For more information about the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, visit www.flaglerbeachrotary.org.