United Counseling Service holds suicide awareness walk for staff

United Counseling Service (UCS) recognized Suicide Prevention Month with a suicide awareness walk on September 30 for its staff, organized and led by Stephanie Lonergan, Mental Health Consultant at the agency’s division of Children, Youth and Family Services (CYFS). This meaningful event was made possible by the Gregory S. Hillman Fund at United Counseling Service, which supports suicide prevention initiatives, including Youth Mental Health First Aid training and additional youth suicide prevention programs, at no cost to the community.

Tuesday’s  suicide awareness walk started at UCS’ 314 Dewey Street location, which houses several CYFS programs, and wound through the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) trail to HOPE House on Monument Avenue. HOPE House is home to UCS’ intensive outpatient program (IOP) for school-aged children and its psychiatric urgent care for kids (PUCK). Participants took turns sharing stories and perspectives around the topic of suicide awareness, and a variety of informational materials were available regarding the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, mental health first aid, warning signs of suicide, making safety plans, and more, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

“Even though not many people joined us, this walk was a reminder that there are always at least a few other people who have been where you are,” says Stephanie, who organized the walk. “You are never alone.”