BRIDGEPORT, N.Y. – The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Madison County will host this year’s STEPtember for Suicide Prevention, Awareness & Remembrance Walk on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. at Chapman Park, Rte. 31, Bridgeport.
The registration fee is $35 and includes a choice of a Walk Baseball Hat or Walk Shirt while supplies last and lunch provided by Firehouse Hotdogs. The lunch combo includes a sandwich, two sides and a drink.
Registration is open and participants can also register onsite starting at 10 a.m. on the day of the event. The walk is open to anyone and everyone. The walk will be held rain or shine.
All proceeds and donations will remain local and fund suicide prevention, education and awareness initiatives. Attendees not desiring lunch or a Walk gift can also attend for free.
“The funds raised at the Walk help with support and prevention services that are offered to the community right here in Madison County,” returning walk attendee Kari Simchik said.
This annual event takes place in September, which is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The coalition has been organizing annual walks in Madison County to bring awareness to suicide prevention since 2013, marking over a decade of local walks in honor of those lost to suicide.
“The STEPtember Walk is important to me because it not only allows me to honor loved ones I have lost but it is a way I can help to raise awareness in our community and show support to others,” Simchik said.
A reading of the names ceremony and moment of silence is held each year at the walk in honor
of loved ones lost to suicide. Community organizations will be tabling at the event with resources
for the community.
“We need to continue to work to reduce the stigma around mental health issues and remind everyone that it is okay to have open conversations,” Simchik said. “Having conversations can help let individuals know they are not alone and could make finding help and support a bit easier.”
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control more than 48,000 people died by suicide in the U.S, in 2024 while 14.3 million adults considered suicide in 2024.
According to Madison County’s 2022 Teen Assessment Report about 18% of youth in grades seven-12 in Madison County have seriously considered suicide.
Madison County, a predominantly rural area, has one of the highest rates of suicide among NYS counties. The disparity in rural areas is attributed to many factors, including social isolation, barriers accessing mental health services, and high gun ownership. These statistics reflect a tragic loss of life and the need for prevention and postvention efforts in our community.
In 2024 the Madison County Youth Bureau founded Sources of Strength, a youth-led, evidence-based suicide-prevention program which empowers youth as leaders to care for themselves and others.
That same year the bureau formed the Local Outreach to Survivors of Suicide Team of Madison County to assist family and friends in times of loss and connect with resources and supports.
The coalition holds monthly meetings, trainings for the community on suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. It also offers a monthly grief support group for survivors of suicide loss. For more information on getting involved in local efforts call (315) 697-3947.
To learn more, register, or donate, call (315) 697-3947, visit bridgescouncil.org or visit Facebook.
