More than 100 participants gathered at Daviess Community Hospital on Saturday, Sept. 27, for the inaugural Walk for Suicide Loss & Awareness, a moving evening of remembrance, resilience, and community support. The event raised nearly $3,000 to benefit suicide prevention and mental health initiatives in Daviess County.
Attendees walked together around the hospital campus on a beautiful fall evening, carrying glow sticks and honoring the memory of loved ones lost to suicide. Miss Indiana Teen Abbi Knepp opened the event with a stirring performance of the National Anthem.
One of the most powerful moments of the night came from Amber Crews, PMHNP-BC, a Washington native and mental health nurse practitioner who shared her deeply personal journey through addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Crews, now sober for nine years, spoke openly about her struggles and the importance of breaking stigma by telling our stories.
“There was a time when I thought I wouldn’t survive,” Crews told the crowd. “But with faith, therapy, medication, and perseverance, I found my way forward. Suicide is not a word to be whispered or hidden. Events like this show that we can talk about mental health, put real faces to the struggle, and remind people they are never alone.”
For many participants, Crews’ message brought hope and comfort.
“This was such a meaningful event for attendees who came together to remember those we have lost,” said Angie Steiner, Director of the Daviess Community Hospital Foundation. “Amber’s message of hope resonated with everyone present. You could feel the strength and compassion in our community.”
Alyssa Cornelius, event committee chair, echoed that sentiment.
“I’m very thankful to every participant, our sponsors, and DCH,” Cornelius said. “The walk was such a healing experience with a powerful message. I hope for many more in the future.”
The evening’s success was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, including DCH Auxiliary, AirGas Healthcare, United Way of Daviess County, Wittmer’s Inflatables, DANCO, Lake Behavioral Health, and Greater Vision Church of Washington.
Daviess Community Hospital reminds the community that support is always available. Through its Behavioral Health Services, DCH provides outpatient treatment for all ages, including therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management in a compassionate and confidential setting. Appointments can be scheduled online at therapyportal.com/p/daviess/ or by calling (812) 254-8634.
For more information about the event and ongoing mental health services at Daviess Community Hospital, visit dchosp.org.
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