Awareness and support important steps in protecting those who may be struggling

[December 09, 2014]  Since the passing of Mason City teen, Jacob Bowersock, on June 27, 2014, friends and family have joined together to bring awareness to suicide prevention. In their efforts they have walked in two parades and one Out of the Darkness walk that is hosted annually by the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. Jacob’s Team participated in the Springfield OOTD walk October 18th, raising $748.10 with 32 walkers participating.

They also walked in the October Prairie Harvest Day Parade held in Mason City and the 2014 Lincoln Christmas Parade. November 22, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day activities in Springfield were also attended by family members.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who collects data about mortality in the U.S., including deaths by suicide, in 2012 (the most recent year for which full data are available), 40,600 suicides were reported. This makes suicide the 10th leading cause of death for Americans. In that year, someone in the country died by suicide every 12.9 minutes. These are staggering statistics of a tragedy that can be prevented.

Jacob’s Team will continue their efforts in 2015 by once again walking in the 2015 Out of the Darkness walk in Springfield, with fundraising efforts being planned throughout the year. Currently there are “Life is Beautiful” shirts available for sale with proceeds going towards the 2015 walk.

Anyone interested in a shirt can email [e-mail]  or call/text 217-871-0388. Also an event will be hosted on November 21, 2015 locally as part of the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.

Information regarding awareness and prevention of suicide can always be found online at www.afsp.org.  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available 24/7/365 at 1-800-273-8255. Life is beautiful…. There is help available…. Be a friend, Be aware and Be a voice for those unfortunately already lost.

[Misty Bell]