The Hays County community came together on Saturday, Sept. 6, for the Health Department’s inaugural Suicide Awareness Walk & Resource Fair. Close to 90 participants joined to walk through San Marcos Plaza Park, to connect and stand together for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
The event, titled “Together for Tomorrow,” began with opening words from Hays County Health Department Behavioral Health Coordinator Izzy Vigil, who set the tone for a day of connection, healing and hope.
Following Vigil, David James of the Peyton Heart Project shared the story of his son Peyton and the mission to end the stigma surrounding suicide and bullying. His testimony deepened the meaning of the day and grounded participants in the importance of this work.
Despite the rain, spirits remained high. The community embraced the weather and set off together on the 1-mile walk through San Marcos Plaza Park, guided by balloons in shades of teal and purple, the symbolic colors of suicide awareness. Along the way, community members forged new connections, shared stories and reminded one another of the importance of showing up and standing together.
To keep energy levels up, participants were also provided with granola bars, cold water and goodie bags, donated by community partners.
The resource fair was a highlight of the event, as vendors and supporters provided attendees with valuable resources on mental health and suicide prevention, while also fostering meaningful connections.
The Health Department is grateful to the following partners for sharing their time, knowledge, and care with the community: “The inaugural event was a true success,” said Health Department Director Matthew Gonzales. “It brought nearly 90 people together in solidarity, opened conversations about mental health and connected individuals with the resources they need. The turnout demonstrated the strength of our community and its commitment to fostering awareness, breaking down stigma and supporting one another.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered or partnered with us to make this event possible. Together for Tomorrow is more than a theme. It is a commitment we share as a community to keep showing up, raising awareness and supporting healing and hope.”
