Torrance County Suicide Awareness and Prevention 5k (Run or Walk)

Although public health restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic have been relaxed, the 5th Annual Torrance County Suicide Awareness and Prevention 5k will again have a virtual option during the entire month of September 2022.  With the ever-changing restrictions, we have made the difficult to decision to forego an in-person event. This event is hosted by the Torrance County (New Mexico) Domestic Violence Program and Torrance County DWI Prevention Program, along with several community partners.  Since the early days of the pandemic, our world is seeing increased uses of alcohol and other drugs, as well as increased incidences of domestic violence and suicide.  As a global community, we need to do more to help our brothers and sisters who are in pain.

Depression and the thoughts that lead to suicide do not discriminate.  There is no sector of the community that is immune to the pain caused by suicide.  It doesn't matter if you are young or old, rich or poor, or your race.

According to the World Health Organization, close to 800 000 people in our world die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds. Suicide is a global phenomenon and occurs throughout the lifespan. Effective and evidence-based interventions can be implemented at population, sub-population and individual levels to prevent suicide and suicide attempts. There are indications that for each adult who died by suicide there may have been more than 20 others attempting suicide.

The purpose and mission of the Torrance County Suicide Awareness and Prevention 5k is to increase awareness, strengthen community, and provide resources and support for our neighbors in need.  We want those who are hurting to know that they are not alone.  Won't you join us?

100% of all proceeds (after race fees and shirt costs) will go to the Torrance County DWI Prevention Program.  The TCDWIPP provides substance abuse and DWI prevention, as well as suicide prevention through direct education and community outreach programs.  In addition, both Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid classes are offered at minimal costs to community members.  Funds collected will enable the program to expand and increase services to our community.

Orders should be shipped no later than October 15, 2022.  (The order will be placed on October 1, 2022 and shipping times will depend upon supplies.)

Race packets will include mental health and suicide prevention resource information.

*****PLEASE NOTE*****  We will make every effort to have the in-person event, but we cannot control whether there will be Covid-19-related public health orders in place on the date of our event.  In the event that there is a public health order that makes it impossible to host a live event, all in-person registrations will convert to virtual registrations.  Thank you for your understanding.  We hope to see ALL of you in person on September 18th!

Thank you so much for your support.