Portage Path Behavioral Health to host 10th KJ's 5K on Oct. 3

SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — Portage Path Behavioral Health will host the 10th annual KJ's 5K on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Portage Lakes State Park. The event brings runners, walkers and mental health advocates together to honor lives lost to suicide. It also supports mental health services across Summit County. Check in begins at 8 a.m. by the park's visitor center. A decade of community support Over the past decade, KJ's 5K has grown into one of Summit County's signature events for suicide awareness and prevention. KJ's 5K for Mental Health & Animal Rescue was created by Shari Kennedy after the loss of her son. She wanted to raise awareness about mental illness, suicide prevention and the treatments available. Her son KJ loved animals, so the event also includes a dog walk. Proceeds support Summit County's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. A portion also goes to the Summit County Humane Society and Rubber City Rescue. A critical moment for Summit County This year's race carries added urgency. Summit County has recently seen an increase in deaths by suicide. Each loss has left families, friends, classmates and coworkers 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." Portage Path encourages residents to learn the warning signs of suicide. They include talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless. Other signs are withdrawing from friends and activities, increased use of alcohol or drugs, extreme mood swings and giving away possessions. Asking someone directly about suicide does not increase their risk. It can open the door to getting help. Prevention work all year Portage Path works throughout the year to reduce suicide risk in Summit County. Its services include answering the county's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and providing psychiatric emergency care. The organization also offers outpatient counseling for mental health and substance use issues and partners with local organizations. Help is available If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org. Event details What: 10th annual KJ's 5K When: Saturday, Oct. 3. Check in begins at 8 a.m. Where: By the Portage Lakes State Park Visitor Center, 5031 Manchester Rd., Akron, Ohio 44319 Registration: www.portagepath.org/support-our-mission/kjs-5k24 About Portage Path Behavioral Health For more than 50 years, Portage Path Behavioral Health has guided people on the path to recovery from mental illness and related substance use issues. The organization helps people rebuild their lives and restore their hope. Portage Path has locations in Akron, Barberton and Cuyahoga Falls. It serves more than 8,000 Summit County residents each year, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Portage Path also answers local calls in Summit and Lake counties made to the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The line is a safe space to talk about anxiety, depression, financial issues, personal problems and suicidal thoughts. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.