The Owensboro Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition (ORSPC) is preparing for its 17th annual LifeSavers Walk, which will be held on Saturday at Moreland Park from 9 a.m. to noon.
Organizers said the event exists to honor those who have died by suicide while promoting suicide awareness and education. The walk runs in conjunction with National Suicide Prevention Week and provides a space for the community to come together, remember loved ones, and open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
Brenda Knollenberg, secretary of ORSPC’s board, shared the importance of the walk in creating awareness and support for those impacted by suicide.
“This will be my first LifeSavers Walk,” Knollenberg said. “I lost both my brother and father-in-law to suicide, so this event holds a special place in my heart. We hope the walk continues to educate the public, destigmatize conversations around suicide, and provide comfort to those affected.”
ORSPC was founded in 2007, growing out of a local task force led by Chaplain Bob Roby. It now focuses on both prevention efforts and providing support for families impacted by suicide. In addition to the walk, Knollenberg highlighted the coalition’s ongoing educational efforts, including raising awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
“Many people still aren’t aware of the 988 hotline,” she said. “This number is available for anyone needing support, and we want to get that message out to as many people as possible.”
Registration for the LifeSavers Walk begins at 9 a.m., and the walk itself will start around 10 a.m. ORSPC President Jennifer Haines will give opening remarks before the walk.
The walk is free and open to everyone, and Knollenberg encourages anyone interested to join. She also emphasized that they’re always looking for volunteers.
“Rain or shine, we’ll be there,” she said. “We welcome anyone who wants to get involved with the coalition or assist in future events. There’s a lot to be done, and we appreciate any help we can get.”
For more information about the LifeSavers Walk or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, visit the ORSPC website or contact [email protected].
