Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) in Coalinga participated in the first Suicide Awareness 2K/5K walk run to cap a month of activities to raise awareness for this serious issue.
Resource materials, wristbands, pledge cards and more were offered and on display during national Suicide Awareness Prevention Month. The goal was for staff to start the dialogue about suicide prevention.
For the culminating event of the campaign, a walk/run was organized thanks to volunteers from Mental Health, PVSP Staff and the Employee Action Committee (EAC) and Senior Psychologist Dr. Frieda Dehnavifar.
The course was planned around the perimeter of the institution with staff cheering on the participants. First place winners in each division were awarded prizes donated by the EAC. The first-place 5K finisher was Jesus Villagrana while the first-place 2K finisher was Denise Gonzalez.
In addition to the race, food vendors, local merchants and a DJ were on hand to help create a positive atmosphere. Donations to enter the run/walk went to support Hinds Hospice Center for Grief & Healing.
Submitted by Lt. B. O’Daniels
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