Walk-A-Thon Brings Awareness To Suicide, Domestic Violence

By Dean Wright, The Bristol Press

November 1, 2021

Despite a wet day, American Legion 209 partnered with St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Bristol and the Prudence Crandall Center as part of walk-a-thon to bring awareness to area residents regarding the challenges of suicide and domestic violence in Rockwell Park Saturday.

“The idea was to bring people out to see this beautiful park and to make them aware that suicide and domestic violence numbers go hand in hand and the numbers go up as we approach the holiday season,” said Legion 209 Commander Brian Avery. “Our mission and our goal here working with St. Vincent and Prudence Crandall is to restock their pantries with items such as coffee, sugar, individual snacks, sweatshirts, socks, t-shirts and stuff they can use to give to the individuals involved with their programs.”

Avery said the collaboration wanted to educate others to the signs of suicide. When a loved one or friend stops being interested in the activities they were previously passionate about, it’s a red flag, said the commander.

“Twenty-two combat veterans a day commit suicide nationally,” he said. “We want folks to know there is a reason not to lose hope and everyone has to be involved and to be aware of trigger signs. If you have a loved one who is now depressed and you know they love sports or walking their dog, or maybe their grass is three feet high and they aren’t (engaging with) these things, those could be trigger signs and we should be asking them if they’re okay.”

Among those at the event, Commander of American Legion Department of Connecticut Jeff DeClerck said it was important to support events and community collaborations with local Legion posts.

“It’s always awesome to stay on top of what Post 209 is doing. They are out there and working on what we consider in the American Legion our four pillars, “ said DeClerck. “That would be veterans affairs and rehabilitation, Americanism, children and youth, and national security… This event here fills a few of those. The American Legion has been trying to establish programs from the medical side and at the post level for recognizing a veteran at risk.”

DeClerck also mentioned domestic violence against women in the service also was an ongoing issue of concern for the Legion and it’s important to spread awareness surrounding it and those it affects.

“Events like this are important because veterans-at-risk who might be afraid to come forward can be shown they’re not alone,” he said.

Sheila Reyes, representative of New Britain’s Prudence Crandall Center, said the organization assists those struggling with situations of domestic violence by providing advocates, guidance through courts and a residential program.

“We feel honored to be partnering and it’s great to get out and raise awareness,” said Reyes. “Even if it’s just to educate, this is part of our prevention efforts so it’s good to get out and let the public know.”

Also among those spreading awareness amid the rainy day was St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Bristol Executive Director Christine Thebarge. The mission helps to provide opportunities for those struggling with homelessness.

“We’re thrilled to be here,” said Thebarge. “It’s a great group of people and we love the community coming together… We’re fighting a lot of the same fight. Even though it’s raining, people are driving up and donating and it comes back to community. These topics today hit everybody.”