2nd Annual Light the Night 5K for Suicide Prevention
2nd Annual Light the Night 5K for Suicide Prevention – Bullseye Running
REGISTER BY MARCH 10TH AT 11:59PM EST FOR A GUARANTEED LIGHT THE NIGHT 5K T-SHIRT!
About this event:
With YOUR participation (run or walk), and help from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Maryland Chapter (AFSP), Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, Bullseye Running, and the Howard County Health Department, our Light the Night 5K for Suicide Prevention will be more than just a race. It will serve as a county-wide acknowledgment that we support and care for those impacted by suicide. Suicide was the leading cause of death for youth ages 15-19 in Howard County between 2014-2016. In 2018, the Howard County Health Department reported that 1 in 6 high school students seriously considered attempting suicide. This data was gathered before the pandemic, meaning it does not depict the effects of isolation-related depression and financial stressors on families. To begin taking much-needed action, funds raised will benefit both the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Maryland Chapter and our Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center in support of their mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP is the largest private funder of suicide prevention research, creates and hosts educational programs, leads public policy efforts around mental health, and provides support for suicide loss survivors afsp.org/Maryland. Grassroots operates a 24-hour crisis intervention and supportive counseling hotline; individuals may call for a variety of reasons including suicide, family and relationship problems, shelter needs, violent or threatening domestic situations, and more. Cash donations will be accepted at the event. Light the Night 5K for Suicide Prevention will also provide activities for non-runners, suicide prevention resource packets, and fun take-home items such as bracelets and keychains. We hope to see you there!
Email Event Coordinator Aubrey Heiges at aubrey.heiges@gmail.com with any questions or interest in sponsoring the event*
Packet + Shirt Pick-up:
Thursday, March 30th from 5 – 7 pm at Feet First (5305 Village Center Dr #110, Columbia, MD 21044)
Schedule:
6:00 – 6:30pm: Late packet + shirt pickup and event set-up
6:30 – 6:50pm: Speeches by community stakeholders who are active in suicide prevention
6:50 – 7:00pm: Final stretches and start line placement
7:00pm: 5k race STARTS
