GLOW Up: Finding Light Out of the Darkness

1st annual GLOW Up: Finding Light Out of the Darkness, Suicide Awareness/Prevention event, 5K Color Fun Run on Saturday, January 19, 2019. This will be a family event with the goal of bringing awareness, prevention and funding for suicide prevention efforts. Our goals are to promote the awareness that suicide is a serious public health problem and that many suicides are preventable.  Statistics released by the GBI’s Child Fatality Review Unit show 23 children under the age of 18 have killed themselves in Georgia in 2018.  It was also stated that for every young person who dies by suicide, national statistics indicate 25 others will attempt to take their own lives.  In this past year, Georgia hospitals have admitted more than 1,000 children for suicide-related causes.

The Glow Up: Finding Light Out of the Darkness event will begin with several guest speakers who will talk about suicide and efforts to address the struggle of those suffering from bullying, depression and feelings of hopelessness. There will also be resources for parents and friends to learn how to recognize the signs of those battling with suicidal thoughts and what to do if they arise. The 5k Color Run will be a glow event held in the early evening where participants will have an opportunity to get covered in UV Glow Powder, to symbolize Finding the Light Out of the Darkness and breaking the silence of mental health.  The event will end with a fun after party in Saint Marys waterfront park, with a live DJ.