CORDELE – Cordele will host its first Suicide Awareness Walk this March at Crisp County Recreation Department. This event is possible thanks to Becky Vaughn who is the brain behind the project. This first year the walk will be done in memory of her son Brandon Jacobs, and the event will honor a different person each year following. Participants in the walk will have to pay no entry fee, as Vaughn’s main goal is to raise awareness about the epidemic sweeping our country.

According to the CDC, Georgia lost 1,409 people to suicide in 2016. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in Georgia, 2nd leading cause of death for ages 25-34, 3rd leading cause of death for ages 10-24, and 4th leading cause of death for ages 35-54. Nearly twice as many people die by suicide in Georgia annually than by homicide; the total deaths to suicide reflect a total of 26,788 years of potential life lost before age 65. In the United States, every year men die by suicide 3.57 times more often than women do. The rate of suicide is highest in middle age men. White males accounted for 7 of 10 suicides in 2016. On average, there are 123 suicides in the United States per day. Firearms account for 51% of those suicides.

Becky says Joshua 1:9 truly speaks to her throughout planning this event. It has been a source of strength and motivation. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go”. She aims to raise awareness with the event and make it fee free for participants so that everyone can participate and learn from the event. The event will honor the memory of a different person each. This year as it is the first year the event will honor her son Brandon Jacobs.  The message of the event is important, that no matter who you are, or wherever you are out there. You are not alone.

Sponsorships, are needed to cover the costs of this important event however, and are available at different levels from $50 up to $750. You may obtain a Sponsor form by contacting the Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce at (229) 273-1668 or email info@cordele-crisp-chamber.com

For more information on the event or to volunteer contact Becky Vaughn (229) 322-3312 or Monica Simmons (229) 273-1668.