7th Annual Walk For a Wonderful Life

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The 7th Annual Walk for a Wonderful suicide prevention event is sponsored by the Suicide Task Force of Indiana County, an organization comprised of volunteers from Human Services Agencies. The Suicide Task Force (STF) has trained over 1,000 individuals in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), an evidenced based training that includes school faculty. Staff, and personnel, community members, fire departments, first responders, Health and Human Services Agencies along with many others. 
            This event is FREE and highlights networking with Indiana County Human Services Agencies.  Agencies that have signed up include: Spirit Life, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, the Community Guidance Center, the VA, IRMC, Family Behavioral Resources, Beacon Health Options, Beacon Ridge, The Meadow's Psychiatric Center, Counseling Wellness of Indiana County, and Armstrong/Indiana/ Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission, The Open Door, and Armstrong Indiana Consumer Family Satisfactor.  Donations are appreciated, but are NOT required to attend. In addition, you can register as a “walk in” the day of the Walk at the “Walk-In Tent.” The 7th Annual Walk for a Wonderful Life begins with Registration opening at 1 P.M. when registration opens, with activities such as inspirational speakers and the Angel’s on Earth Ceremony beginning at 2 P.M. at the Mack Park Fairgrounds Track and Grandstands. The mission of the 7th Annual Walk for a Wonderful Life is to spread awareness, and break the stigma of Mental Health, to bring families, and friends together to remember loved ones lost to suicide.

FAQ’s:

• Can you register online and donate at the Walk?

  • Absolutely! Cash and checks can be accepted at the walk; unfortunately, we cannot accept credit/debit cards at the walk.

• Can you register as a “Walk-In” on the day of the Walk?

  • Yes! You do not necessarily need to “pre-register” online, but will need to register at the walk-in tent, unfortunately this takes more time. If you pre-register, you can get through the line much more quickly. It is highly recommended to pre-register!

• Is the event pet friendly?

  • Yes, but please be prepared to clean up after your pet.

• How can I contact the organizer?

  • Email Brandy King at stf32@mail.com or by phone at 724-463-8200 ext. 2.

• Individual waivers must be signed at the Walk.

• This Event is rain or shine and there are no refunds.

• One individual can sign up to 10 friends/family memebers.

 Information on the STF:

            The Suicide Task Force of Indiana County is comprised of a group of over 25 volunteer agencies representing the following places: County of Indiana (Coroner, Sheriff Robert Fyock, Probation, District Attorney’s Office, Department of Human Services, Courts), S.C.I. Pine Grove, Family Behavioral Resources, Armstrong Indiana Behavioral and Developmental Health Program, 9-1-1, IUP, The Open Door Crisis Hotline, VA, I&A Residential Services, PA State Police, Community Guidance Center, Hopeful Hearts, Penn Highlands DuBois, Family Psychological Associates, PeerStar, LLC., Beacon Health Options, Housing Authority of Indiana County, Aging Services, The Meadow’s Psychiatric Hospital, Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission, UPMC, IRMC, IRMC Behavioral Health, Neuropsychiatric Associates, ARIN IU 28, Alice Paul House, Clarion Psychiatric Hospital, Survivors, Survivors of Suicide Loss, Community Members, and the Faith Community. The STF aims to prevent suicides in Indiana County, provide information and resources to Indiana County Residents, as well as networking with these Human Services Agencies to break the stigma of Mental Health and Suicide.
            With funds from donations, grants, and fundraising, the Suicide Task Force has:

• Trained over 1,000 individuals in QPR.

• Held a successful Walk for a Wonderful Life for the past 6 years.

• Awarded over 20 individuals as being “Angel’s On Earth” for outstanding work in suicide prevention.

• Hosted 4 International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day events promoted by AFSP for Survivors of Suicide Loss to gather and view a video internationally regarding grieving, loss, and healing after a suicide.

• Attended speaking opportunities at all Indiana School District Schools, along with IUP, specifically the 6 O’clock Series, where we have a panel every year. The group has also presented at meetings with the Children’s Advisory Commission, Evergreen after School Clubs, Fire Departments, and Mental Health Symposiums.

• Trained 231 individuals from 70 different agencies trained in Mental Health and Youth Mental Health First Aid.

• AMSR training for clinicians.