BATH

Maine’s suicide rate is on the increase, matching a national trend, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The organizers of one local event want to see that reversed.

This Sunday marks the fifth annual Out of the Darkness Walk in Bath, a yearly event to raise awareness of suicide and raise money for suicide prevention.

“The goal of the walk itself is to raise awareness, to raise funds, for togetherness. It’s a place for people to meet others who have gone through a similar loss. It’s for people who have maybe struggled themselves to feel support from others,” said Cristal Homan, organizer of the Bath event.

Along with similar events across the country, Midcoast residents will gather in Bath for a 1-mile walk to raise awareness. While the walk may be the headline event, the main portion of the day will be a gathering at Waterfront Park afterward.

Homan has been involved with the event since its second year, though this is her first year as the sole organizer. Originally from Alna, she has lived in Bath for 22 years, Homan herself has been impacted by suicide. Five years ago, her daughter Jessica Anne, a freshman at Morse High School, committed suicide at the age of 14.

“I lost my daughter, Jessica Anne Homan, on Nov. 19, 2013, so coming up on five years,” said Homan. “I always knew from the day we lost her that I was going to do something for suicide prevention. I knew from the very first night that I was going to try to help others that were in her situation … or people who have lost somebody to suicide.”

In 2016, Maine had 226 reported suicides, a rate of nearly 17 suicides per 100,000 residents, according to the CDC. That was higher than the national rate of nearly 14 per 100,000, but lower than the rates of other rural states including Vermont, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska and others.

Maine reported 181 suicides in 2008.

By raising awareness and holding events that are fun, Homan hopes to reduce the stigma that surrounds discussions of suicide. She believes some progress has been made in recent years.

“I think a lot more people are willing to talk about it now,” said Homan. “I think there’s still a lot more that needs to be done.”

Money raised through the event will help the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention conduct research, hold training sessions and spread information about the issue.

The organization will host another community event on Survivors of Suicide Loss Day on Saturday, Nov. 17.

The Out of the Darkness Walk will start at 12:30 p.m., with music and activities continuing throughout the afternoon. Online registration ends today, but people can still register for the walk for free on Sunday starting at 11 a.m. Donations are appreciated.

“There will be music. There will be singing. There will be hula-hoops and bubbles,” said Homan. “We have raffles and auctions. This is an event open to everyone. It’s not a sad event. It’s about hope and healing.”

nstrout@timesrecord.com

Help is out there

WHERE TO GET HELP if you or anyone you know is battling depression or has had suicidal thoughts:

• Maine Crisis Hotline: 1-888- 568-1112.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741.