Community Unites for 7th Annual Into the Light Walk for Mental Health

Dozens of participants gathered at Catawba College’s Shuford Stadium early on the morning of October 21, 2023, for the seventh annual Into the Light suicide and mental health awareness walk, organized by the United Way of Rowan County. Dressed in purple, attendees came together to raise awareness about mental health resources available in the region while honoring those lost to suicide.

The event commenced at 6:30 a.m. with a procession along the stadium’s walkway, where various organizations set up booths to provide information about support services. Notable contributors included Salisbury Pride, United Way, and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line, all offering insights into support groups and hotlines for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Honoring Lives and Sharing Stories

Participants received colored wristbands to signify their connections to the cause, whether they were honoring someone lost or supporting mental health awareness. Names, photographs, and heartfelt messages of those who had died by suicide were displayed on the stadium screen as the group walked. United Way Executive Director Jenny Lee read aloud the names of the deceased, ringing a bell for each one, creating a solemn yet powerful atmosphere.

As the walk concluded, attendees gathered for a program that began with a prayer. Catawba College Dean of Students Justin Tyler Owens emphasized the importance of openly discussing mental health rather than allowing it to remain a taboo subject. He reaffirmed the college’s commitment to supporting such events each year.

Following Owens, Jim Behmer, President of the United Way Board of Directors, shared his personal story of loss. He recounted the impact of his aunt, Kim McGrath Millin, a high school teacher who took her life in 2000. Her death sparked conversations around mental health within his family, changing how they supported one another and opening avenues for discussing grief and mental health challenges.

“Attending this event has helped me become more comfortable remembering and processing my aunt Kim’s passing,” Behmer said. “It has also allowed me the courage to discuss this with my family and help to keep memories of my aunt Kim alive in our family.”

Personal Reflections and Community Support

Next, Micah Ennis, Vice President of the United Way Board of Directors, described her experience with the loss of her brother, David Michael Melton, who died by suicide in July 2006. Ennis reflected on their complex relationship and how her understanding of mental health has evolved since his passing. She expressed the guilt she felt post-loss and how attending the Into the Light walk helped her process these emotions.

“Losing him the way we did does not erase the good. In fact, it deepens my appreciation for the complexity of life and love,” Ennis stated, highlighting her journey toward understanding trauma and mental health.

Community Outreach Coordinator Ali Edwards also addressed the gathering, thanking attendees for their support and underscoring the significance of their presence. She announced that beginning on October 21, grief counselor Tameka Brown would facilitate a bi-monthly support group for survivors of suicide loss called Reaching Into the Light, which is free and available to any adult resident of Rowan County.

Additionally, this year Rowan County, in collaboration with Daymark Recovery Services, launched its first 24/7 behavioral health urgent care facility to provide immediate support for those experiencing mental health crises, regardless of income status. Although the event was not a direct fundraiser, it successfully raised over $18,000 in sponsorships to support United Way initiatives aimed at enhancing local mental health services.

As the program concluded, Jenny Lee addressed the crowd one final time, reminding them to honor those lost and continue to advocate for mental health awareness. “Take one more look at that beautiful sun, find hope, know that you are loved and remember to check on your people,” Lee urged, encapsulating the spirit of the day.

The annual Into the Light walk serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, support, and open conversations surrounding mental health, emphasizing that no one needs to face their struggles alone.