SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — Runners, walkers and dog lovers will gather Saturday, Oct. 3, for the 10th annual KJ’s 5K. Portage Path Behavioral Health is hosting the event at Portage Lakes State Park. The community is invited to remember those lost to suicide and to back mental health services across Summit County, including Nordonia Hills.
Check in starts at 8 a.m. by the park’s visitor center.
How one mother turned loss into action
Shari Kennedy started KJ’s 5K for Mental Health & Animal Rescue in 2017 after losing her son. She hoped to raise awareness about mental illness, suicide prevention and available treatments.
KJ loved animals. That is why the day includes a dog walk along with the race.
Money raised supports Summit County’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. A portion also benefits the Summit County Humane Society and Rubber City Rescue.
Why this year feels different
The milestone arrives at a hard time. Summit County has recently seen an increase in deaths by suicide. Families, friends, classmates and coworkers are grieving.
“Behind every death by suicide is a community grieving,” said Tracy Yaeger Ph.D, President and CEO of Portage Path Behavioral Health. “We all have a role to play in prevention. Learning how to recognize the warning signs, reaching out when something doesn’t feel right, and helping connect people to the support they need. Sometimes, simply asking someone how they’re doing can be the first step toward saving a life.”
Know the warning signs
Portage Path urges residents to learn the signs that someone may be struggling. Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless is one. Pulling away from friends and activities is another.
Other signs include more alcohol or drug use, extreme mood swings and giving away possessions.
Many people worry that asking about suicide will make things worse. It will not. Asking someone directly does not raise their risk, and it can open the door to help.
Help is available
If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org.
What Portage Path does
Portage Path Behavioral Health works all through the year to lower suicide risk in the county. It answers local calls to the 988 lifeline and provides psychiatric emergency care. Outpatient counseling for mental health and substance use issues is also available. The organization partners with local groups as well.
For more than 50 years, the nonprofit has helped people recover from mental illness and related substance use issues. It has locations in Akron, Barberton and Cuyahoga Falls. More than 8,000 Summit County residents receive care each year, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Portage Path also answers calls from Summit and Lake counties to the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Callers can talk about anxiety, depression, financial issues, personal problems and suicidal thoughts. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you go
What: 10th annual KJ’s 5K
When: Saturday, Oct. 3. Check in begins at 8 a.m.
Where: Portage Lakes State Park Visitor Center, 5031 Manchester Rd., Akron, Ohio 44319
Register: www.portagepath.org/support-our-mission/kjs-5k24
Frequently asked questions
1. When is the 10th annual KJ’s 5K?
The event is Saturday, Oct. 3. Check in begins at 8 a.m.
2. Where does the 5K take place?
It is held by the Portage Lakes State Park Visitor Center at 5031 Manchester Rd. in Akron.
3. Who founded KJ’s 5K?
Shari Kennedy created the event in 2017 after losing her son. It raises awareness about mental illness and suicide prevention.
4. Are dogs welcome at KJ’s 5K?
Yes. The event includes a dog walk because KJ loved animals.
5. Where does the money go?
Proceeds support Summit County’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. A portion also goes to the Summit County Humane Society and Rubber City Rescue.
