September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month. On Thursday, September 12, Humble ISD’s Counseling and Behavioral Services Department hosted its third annual Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk.
Humble ISD students, staff and community members walked together around the track at Turner Stadium to raise awareness and honor loved ones who have been lost to suicide. Participants wore their campus or department shirts and carried banners in support of the cause.
Each year, the event is organized by the department's Mental Health and Wellness Team, with the support of Tye Hobbs, Humble ISD Director of Personalized Counseling. Since its inaugural walk in September 2022, the Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk has seen a growing number of participants annually.
“We want to raise awareness about suicide, a social issue that is not spoken about as often,” Humble ISD Student Wellness Counselor Maria Ingram said. “Our goal is to create an event where people can come together and see that we are here to offer support to the community.”
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 24, who account for 15% of all suicide deaths.
The rates of suicide and suicide attempts among children and young adults highlight the need for increased awareness and intervention.
“Our goal is to provide resources and support to our entire community,” Humble ISD Student Wellness Counselor Francesca Newman said. “Humble ISD is like a family, and families look out for and support each other. We want to let people know they’re not alone, that we are here for them, and that we have resources available.”
Local organizations joined the walk, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Be SMART, Humble Area Assistance Ministries (HAAM), the Humble ISD Police Department, Cypress Creek Hospital, and Kingwood Pines Hospital. Other vendors were also in attendance to offer information and mental health resources.
The event aimed to educate the community on recognizing the warning signs of suicidal thoughts and taking action, which includes listening, offering support, and reaching out for help when someone expresses their thoughts or feelings.
“We never know what someone may be going through,” Newman said. “By showing up, we can show others that they have support and that there is help available.”
On Wednesday, September 25, the Humble ISD Counseling and Behavioral Services Department will host a Parent University webinar focused on suicide awareness. Student Wellness Counselors will cover the warning signs of suicide, who is most at risk and provide strategies for supporting students at risk.
Register for the upcoming Parent U Suicide Awareness Webinar
Cover Photo: Participants walk around the track at Turner Stadium on Thursday, September 12 in the third annual Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk. Photo by Leslie Fuentes.