Kern Valley staff helping Stomp Out Suicide

September 13, 2024

From left at the Bakersfield event are Kelli Terrell, business services assistant; Courtney Hart, budget analyst; Brittaney Pena, community resource analyst; Lauren Moore, health program specialist II; a staff family member; Sarah Frost-Morgan, clinical psychologist; Morgan Elias, chief of Mental Health; Kathryn Downs, office technician; staff family member and a friend.

Joining forces with county organizations, Kern Valley State Prison in Delano took part in the annual Stomp Out Suicide Walk.

Held Sept. 7 at River Walk Park in Bakersfield, the 10th annual event is hosted by the non-profit organization, Save A Life Today, better known as SALT.

Stomp Out Suicide Walk in Bakersfield had community involvement along with Kern Valley State Prison staff. — Stomp Out Suicide Walk in Bakersfield.

The organization offers financial support, counseling, and guidance for Kern County area families changed by suicide. To assist in the organization’s mission, the prison’s employee association and mental health staff sold 135 t-shirts, donated by the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians. The effort raised over $2,700 for SALT.

Of all the teams who donated funds, Kern Valley State Prison topped the list for the largest amount to benefit the suicide awareness and family support organization.

According to organizers, the event was a huge success. Activities included guest speakers, a walk to honor lives lost to suicide, information booths on how to get help and others promoting overall wellness. There were also community speakers.

After the community event, the employee association teamed with mental health to make information available to staff Sept. 9.

At the institutions, they distributed suicide awareness bracelets, buttons and stickers. Mental health, custody, and support staff were on hand to greet staff and bring awareness to September as Suicide Prevention Month.

Learn more about SALT on their website.

Submitted by Lt. J. Hernandez