On Saturday, April 29, 2023, DBSA WV co-sponsored the second annual “Kickin’ It for Katy” 5k run/1.2 mile Walk for suicide prevention. The event took place on the campus of Fairmont State University, where the goal was to raise $25,000 towards the Kaitlynn Jade Forensic Memorial Scholarship at the university. For our silver level sponsorship, we received a medium size banner at the race, mention at the podium following the race, our logo with DBSA on all event t-shirts, a listing on the “Kickin’ It for Katy” website and Facebook page, plus two free race/walk entries. We provided DBSA Support Group pamphlets and Suicide in America brochures for every racer and walker’s swag bags to increase awareness about our organization, and about the suicide epidemic in this country. Several participants visited our table following the race/walk during the “Stomp out the Stigma event which included live music, food, door prizes, and lots of raffles. DBSA provided information about who we are and what we do, especially through our support groups throughout the state and online via Zoom. Our display included literature on depression, depression in college students, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder and suicide. $10,400 was raised towards the scholarship, and we’re looking forward to the third annual event next year.
dbsa wv 