STHS Behavioral Hosting ‘Chalk The Walk’ Suicide Prevention Event To Unite The Rio Grande Valley Community In Support Of Those Struggling With Mental Health Challenges

This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, STHS Behavioral is bringing community members together to help spread hope and inspiration through chalk messages while highlighting the local resources available for individuals experiencing mental health struggles or suicidal ideation

It’s a simple fact: suicide does not discriminate. Everyone is susceptible to suicidal thoughts regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, socioeconomic status, ability or level of success.

In the United States, about 12.8 million Americans seriously thought about suicide each year in 2023, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while about 3.7 million made a plan for suicide and 1.5 million attempted to take their lives.

Sadly, one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes in the U.S., per the CDC, making it a serious public health concern and leading cause of death, particularly among young people.

It’s the second leading cause of death among children between the ages of 10-14 and adults between the ages of 25-34, and it’s the third leading cause of death for those between the ages of 15-24, per the CDC.

The risk of suicide can be influenced by a combination of individual, relational and societal factors that contribute to negative thought patterns that may escalate into suicidal ideation.

“From health factors like depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions, substance use problems and serious or chronic illnesses to environmental factors like prolonged stress from harassment, bullying or unemployment and financial predicaments or relationship problems, there are a number of factors that may increase the likelihood of a suicide attempt,” says Leticia Sosa, MSSW, LCSW, LCDC-I., KAP, CLYL, EMDR- Therapist, Director of Outpatient Services, South Texas Health System Behavioral. “By observing the warning signs of suicide, asking direct questions and listening with compassion, we can all help identify individuals at higher risk of suicide and take action to help lower their risk.”

Unfortunately, misperceptions about suicide can have an overwhelmingly negative impact, which only propagates the existing stigma and prevents individuals from seeking help.

“Misconceptions about suicide lead to increased shame and isolation, ultimately fostering a sense of hopelessness among those struggling,” says Sosa. “They can cause individuals in crisis to feel completely powerless to their suicidal states, which are often temporary. With the right support, intervention is typically highly effective.”

So, to help break the stigma surrounding suicide, raise awareness about suicide prevention and let Rio Grande Valley residents who may be struggling know they are not alone, South Texas Health System Behavioral will host its fourth annual Chalk The Walk: Hope & Inspiration Walk on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., in the facility’s main parking lot.

Following a brief program, event participants will take a walk of remembrance around the STHS Behavioral facility in memory of those who lost their lives to suicide. Posters of inspirational messages submitted to the facility by local businesses, schools and organizations in the lead up to the event will be placed along the roadways around the building to remind the community that our mental health matters and that no one is alone.

Before and after the program and remembrance walk, attendees will have an opportunity to showcase their creativity by “chalking up” the main parking lot, sidewalks and driveways around facility with their own words of encouragement and positivity for those who may be struggling.

“From recognizing the warning signs and communicating openly and honestly about suicide with those you suspect may be struggling to creating positive and supportive relationships in our own social circles and building strong community connections, each one of us can help save precious lives,” says Tom Castaneda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System. “It’s all about educating yourself about suicide prevention and taking action, with STHS Behavioral’s Chalk the Walk event offering a special opportunity to connect as a community. By uniting Valley residents to help spread the important message that we are not alone, even in our darkest hour, we can make all make a difference in the lives of those who need our support and encouragement!”

In addition to the walk of remembrance and chalk messaging activities, the event will also feature a “You Are Not Alone” community fair, which will highlight local organizations and resources that can assist those with mental health and wellness concerns.

For more information on this year’s Chalk the Walk, please visit the STHS Facebook Events page. If you’d like to submit your messages of hope and inspiration prior to the event, please call the STHS Marketing Department at (956) 388-2020 or email STHSMarketing@uhsinc.com.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7 by calling the STHS Behavioral Referral and Assessment Department. For a confidential assessment, call (956) 388-1300.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.