On Monday, Sept. 9, California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) in conjunction with Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (CVSP), hosted their first walk-a-thon.
Spearheaded by the CCHCS Mental Health Department, the event began Sept. 9 on the Minimum Support Facility, and concluded Sept. 13 on D Facility. The events were held during Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, Sept. 9-13, and World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day, Sept. 10.
Once the final numbers were tallied, over 600 inmates participated in this event, raising over $1,500. While the inmates were walking to raise money, 15 inmate artists had art displays on the facilities. All monies raised were donated to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which is a Southern California based organization. Since 1987, this organization has funded over 552 research grants totaling more than $34 million.
CVSP Warden (A) David Holbrook and CEO John Murrain thanked Amy Daniels, Health Program Specialist I; David Albert, Office Technician; Psychologist Dr. Andy Stoner, Chief of Mental Health for CVSP; and Psychologist Dr. Nicole Jensen, who worked together to make this event happen. Each day these employees set up a booth for the event and provided information about Suicide Awareness. Organizers also gave special thanks to Jessica Van Der Stad, Regional Director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and volunteer Brenda Kahng, who came out and showed their support.
CVSP Management Staff and CCHCS Executive Staff also came out to support the event.
