Andy Close
WARREN, Pa. – Just knowing there’s someone out there who can listen and help can make all the difference in the world.
Liberty St. was filled with fun, vendors as well as mental health providers as part of CORE’s (Choosing Openness Regarding Experiences) Sidewalk Sale/Suicide Prevention Education Day on Friday.
“I was very pleased, as with everything you do the first time, there are things that can be improved,” CORE founder Kari Swanson said. “We have done an event every September for 6 years now but this is the first time for an all-day event and incorporating vendors.”
It was a day of fun and it was also a day of education and awareness. All in all, it was a big positive.
“The feedback was very positive by both the vendors and by the community,” Swanson said. “The main thing was raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention education and I was extremely pleased with the number of agencies that participated and that some of the vendors had their own activities and products that supported mental health.”
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and there was also a designated area set for sessions on mental health. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among young adults, per the Centers for Disease Control. Te goal with events like CORE’s is to change that.
There was a basket raffle as well, with all proceeds going toward suicide prevention and mental health.
“We raised over $3,000 through our basket raffle which was extremely supported by our wonderful community of individuals, organizations, and businesses,” Swanson said. “Over 70 baskets were donated and all the money raised will go towards suicide prevention education and mental health activities and events in Warren County.”
