Milestone event comes as Summit County confronts a recent rise in deaths by suicide
Summit County, Ohio: Portage Path Behavioral Health will host its 10th annual KJ’s 5K on Saturday, October 3, at the Portage Lakes State Park, bringing runners, walkers, and mental health advocates together to honor lives lost to suicide and to support mental health services across Summit County.
Over the past decade, KJ’s 5K has grown into one of Summit County’s signature events for suicide awareness and prevention. KJ’s 5K for Mental Health & Animal Rescue was created in 2017 by Shari Kennedy after the loss of her son to raise awareness about mental illness, suicide prevention and the treatments available. Because her son KJ loved animals, the event also includes a dog walk. Proceeds support Summit County’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline with a portion going to the Summit County Humane Society and Rubber City Rescue.
A Critical Moment for Summit County:
This year’s race takes on an added sense of urgency as Summit County has recently experienced an increase in deaths by suicide. Each of these losses has left families, friends, classmates, and coworkers grieving.
“Behind every death by suicide is a community grieving,” said Tracy Yaeger Ph.D, President and CEO of Portage Path Behavioral Health. “We all have a role to play in prevention. Learning how to recognize the warning signs, reaching out when something doesn’t feel right, and helping connect people to the support they need. Sometimes, simply asking someone how they’re doing can be the first step toward saving a life. “
Portage Path Behavioral Health encourages community members to learn the warning signs of suicide, which include talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless, withdrawing from friends and activities, increased use of alcohol or drugs, extreme mood swings, and giving away possessions. Asking someone directly whether they are thinking about suicide does not increase their risk and can open the door to getting help.
Year-Round Prevention Efforts:
Portage Path Behavioral Health works throughout the year to reduce suicide risk in Summit County by answering Summit County’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, psychiatric emergency care, outpatient counseling for both mental health and substance use issues, and partnerships with local organizations.
Event Details:
What: 10th Annual KJ’s 5K
When: Saturday, October 3, Check-in begins at 8:00 am
Where: By the Portage Lakes State Park Visitor Center at 5031 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH 44319
Registration: www.portagepath.org/support-our-mission/kjs-5k24
Help Is Available:
If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
About Portage Path Behavioral Health:
For more than 50 years, Portage Path Behavioral Health has guided people on the path to recovery from mental illness and related substance use issues, empowering them to rebuild their lives and restore their hope. With locations in Akron, Barberton, and Cuyahoga Falls, Portage Path serves more than 8,000 Summit County residents annually, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Portage Path also answers local calls in Summit and Lake Counties made to the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The line is a safe space for callers to talk about problems such as anxiety, depression, financial issues, personal problems, and suicidal thoughts. It is available 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.
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