AGAWAM – According to Save.org, “Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide in the world each year, which is roughly one death every 40 seconds.”

In an attempt to combat this statistic, SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education,) will host their annual Emotions in Motion 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health events across the country. On May 25, SAVE Western Mass will host a local Emotions in Motion 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health at School Street Park.

Brandon Jewell, Western Massachusetts Charter Chairman for SAVE Western Mass, explained, “Emotions in Motion: 5K Run/Walks take place in communities like ours across the country, with the proceeds benefiting Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE.) By participating in one of SAVE’s 5K’s, money is raised for SAVE’s many educational programs to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, reduce stigma and serve as a resource for those touched by suicide.”

The Emotions in Motion 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health will be a place where the community will overall feel supported, according to Jewell. “Participants can expect to have a safe place to come and honor their loved ones that lost their battle to suicide. Participants bring awareness to suicide prevention and help raise funds for SAVE to offer grief support to those affected by suicide.

Resource tables will also be on-site to provide information about mental health and local resources to those involved in the walk. “Resource tables hosted by local businesses and non-profits will be available to all participants so they know what is available to them in our community. Please come and talk to them. They will be there to help and to answer any questions,” Jewell said.

Jewell said that he personally feels that this is an important cause for the community to support. “I personally feel this event brings those affected by mental illness and suicide loss together, letting them know they’re not alone and that there is support for each other. It brings local resources that are available to assist in their battle with mental illness,” Jewell explained.

Jewell said that there are several ways the community can support SAVE yearlong. “Community members are always welcome to volunteer at any of our events, talk to schools about our SMART Schools Program (Students Mobilizing Awareness and Reducing Tragedies,) host a table at any mental health fairs and simply be a resource for those who have been touched by suicide,” Jewell said.

The Emotions in Motion 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health will take place on May 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at School Street Park, located at 418 Corey St. in Agawam.

To register for the Emotions In Motion 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health, visit save.donordrive.com. Click “to find an event near you” and search “Agawam.” Once registered, participants will be given their own personal fundraising page that can be used to assist with fundraising efforts. Online registration closes at 5 p.m. on May 24. Registration will also be available on-site the day of the event. Please arrive to the event early to register and sign a waiver.

To become a sponsor, download the “Sponsor Levels and Form” document at save.donordrive.com. All sponsors receive a free exhibitor booth at the event. This sponsorship is for free handouts only. Sales are not an option at the event.

To donate a silent auction item, print the “2019 Emotions in Motion Auction Donation Form” at save.donordrive.com.

The walk is stroller and wheelchair accessible. Dogs are welcome to participate in the walk. Register your dog at the Dogs for a Cause tent and receive a SAVE dog bandana and treat for your pet with a $10 donation.

To host a resource table, contact Linda at the SAVE office at 952-946-7998 or email lmars@save.org.

For questions about the event, please contact Brandon Jewell at 355-0215 or email bjewell@save.org. For more information on SAVE, please visit their website at save.org.

If you are experiencing depression and are in need of support, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and feel you may be a danger to yourself or others, dial 911.