The health care provider partnered with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for the event.

“It’s not something we want to grow, but it’s something that we want to be able to do to get rid of the stigma, and also be there for individuals that have been affected by suicide,” Stanley Cary Jr., manager, Community Relations, said before turning the mic over to city police Assistant Chief Jason Bolt.

“The officers of the Williamsport bureau of police know too well the struggles that many in our community face on a daily basis,” Bolt said.

In just the past five years, city officers responded to nearly 400 suicides, suicide attempts and death investigations, according to Bolt, who said the toll also can be heavy on those answering such calls.

“It’s estimated that 30% of us suffer from depression and post traumatic stress due to our experiences and in both our professional and personal lives, we have all felt the tragic loss and sadness losing a family member, a friend or a colleague to suicide,” he said.

As the department continues to refine its approach to such tragedies, they will also continue to advocate for more support for their first responders’ mental health, the assistant chief said.

“I also want to highlight that even though millions of people struggle with mental health issues every year, far too many feel isolated in their pain. There exists a misconception that asking if a person has thought about suicide or simply talking about it may encourage someone to commit it, but in fact, the opposite is true,” Bolt stressed.

“By talking about it with someone who is suffering, it provides the opportunity for communication and possible deterrence,” he said.

“It’s crucial that we break the silence surrounding mental health and foster a community of support and understanding. Each of us has the power to make a difference, whether by reaching out to a friend, advocating for mental health resources, or sharing our own stories,” Bolt said.

“Let us continue to honor those we’ve lost by ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles. Let’s challenge the stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health in our community, and let’s create an environment where every individual feels valued and supported,” Bolt concluded.

Amy Magee, practice manager for UPMC in North Central Pa. next stepped to the podium to share the story of losing her father.

“I stand before you, not just as a daughter, but as a voice for those who have been touched by the silent struggles of mental health,” she said.

“My father was a kind, loving man who brought joy to everyone around him, but behind his warm smile and generous heart, he battled with the darkness that ultimately took him from us,” Magee said, calling the experience the most devastating experience of her life.

“While I wish he had not made the decision he did, I hope that through talking about suicide prevention as a community, we can better support those who need it,” she said.

“Mental health is not just an individual concern, it is a collective responsibility. We have to break the stigma that surrounds it and create an environment where people feel safe to speak about their struggles,” Magee said.

“My father’s silence was not a sign of weakness, but a reflection of a society that often fails to recognize and address the invisible wounds of the mind,” she stressed.

“Reach out to your loved ones, listen without judgment, and offer your support. Let them know it is okay to not be okay,” Magee urged the crowd.

“In memory of my father, I am committed to raising awareness about mental health and advocating for better resources and support systems. We must ensure that no one feels alone in their battle and that everyone has access to the care that they need,” she said.

“Let us honor the memory of those we have lost by being there for those that are still with us,” Magee said.

Director of Mission Integration and Ethics Reverend John Charnock then recited the Five Candles poem as the ceremonial lighting took place.

“The idea is to pass the light, one from one to the other as a way to honor and remember our loved ones. The candles represent an important connection with people that we care about, people that we love,” he said.

There were nearly 50,000 deaths by suicide in 2022, according to Jackie Zielewicz, Behavioral Health Therapist at Divine Providence Hospital, who said that is slight decrease from 2021.

“We have much, much work to do. So the more we can provide these events and spread the word, that is one step closer to accomplishing our mission,” Zielewicz said.

Anyone experiencing a with mental health struggle is urged to speak to a trusted loved one, a mental health professional or call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.