Lake Havasu Community Steps Out For Suicide Awareness And Prevention

By Janet Cruz

Residents and community leaders stepped out in support of suicide awareness at the annual Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk organized by the #YOUmatter organization, at Rotary Community Park, Saturday.

#YOUmatter operates under the umbrella of the Community Health Foundation and its goal is to raise awareness regarding suicide. The organization also trains others to know how to talk with individuals who are suicidal and to direct them to the appropriate community resources.

“This organization started nine years ago after speaking to school counselor Doug Pehling about a student suicide that took place. As for the first walk, it began the following year and is on it’s eighth year. We want to let people know that you can do something regarding mental health and suicide prevention,” said #YOUmatter co-founder Robert “Bob” Feliciano.

The Marine Corps League (Lake Havasu #787) guided the event with a presentation and led the pledge of allegiance. Several informational booths and volunteers were present in support of the cause.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“This is my first time ever coming to this and I think it’s very good since it spreads awareness,” said volunteer, Aliciyah Harris.

Lake Havasu City Councilwoman Jeni Coke, also addressed the crowd on behalf of Mayor Cal Sheehy with an official proclamation before the walk began.

“Lake Havasu City is uniquely privileged to have organizations like #YOUmatter that partner with local organizations like the Community Health Foundation and Rachel’s Challenge.

“Therefore I do hereby declare the month of September as Suicide Awareness and Prevention month this day signed on Sept. 14, 2024,” Coke said.

Councilwoman Jeni Coke reads a proclamation Saturday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

According to Feliciano, suicide is the number two killer among youth in the country, especially college students. Veterans are also affected by suicide every year. veterans take their lives every day. The elderly over the age of 65 and older are also at risk of suicide.

“As a father who lost a kid, it is devastating, it’s devastating to any parent who has lost a child, no matter what, but even harder when you lose a child to suicide.

“We try to create awareness to let the public know there is help,” Feliciano said.

Participants affected by suicide also spoke about their loved ones and their own personal struggles and shared with participants on how they can cope.

“Life can be really hard. People can be real mean, said veteran Stacy Lee. Sometimes we feel like we are drowning but I am here to tell you that you can overcome. Each day you can choose hope instead of despair and you then can reactivate resilience within you.”

For more information on #YOUmatter or Suicide Prevention and resources, email office@havasuhealth.org. For immediate help from a caring, skilled counselor, call or text “988” to reach the Suicide Prevention Hotline.