Community members will mobilize to boost awareness and prevent suicide this Saturday, May 8^th at 10 am at Silverdale’s Waterfront Park, 8801 Washington Avenue NW. Organizers want to call attention to the fact that over a recent 5 year span, 146 Kitsap residents died by suicide.

“In Kitsap suicide is the second leading cause of death for young adults,” notes Kelly Schwab, member of the Kitsap Suicide Prevention Coalition and head of the local Crisis Line. Schwab will speak at the start of the Saturday event and join a one mile march to the Kitsap Mall to raise awareness of suicide’s cost to the local community. Anyone is welcome to participate. The “Choose Hope” event is free and no registration is required to participate. Folks unable to walk the course are invited to stay at the Waterfront Park to support the event.

The Kitsap Suicide Prevention Task Force stresses that awareness and communication are the first steps in preventing suicide. There is no typical victim --- suicide deaths occur in all races, social classes and across the age span from teens to seniors. Warning signs include talking about suicide and making a plan, giving away prized possessions, preoccupation with death, signs of depression, or increased drug and alcohol use. The Suicide Help Line can be reached by calling 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

For more information on the Choose Hope Walk, suicide prevention or crisis services in Kitsap County contact the local 211 resource line.