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View Winners → Monrovia Co-Sponsors 5k Run Tackling Suicide Epidemic
Monrovia Weekly Feb 27, 2020
The Monrovia Knights of Columbus continue their long tradition of Lenten Fish dinners. — Photo by Terry Miller/ Beacon Media News
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Impact Southern California CDC in conjunction with the Bethel AME Church of Monrovia are presenting Choose 2 Live: Suicide Awareness and Prevention Crusade on Saturday, March 21 at Library Park in Old Town Monrovia from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The crusade begins with a 5k Run/Walk through the heart of Monrovia. The line-up begins at 6:30 a.m. and the 5k kick-off is at 7:30 a.m.
Youthsuicide is a major public health concern in the United States. According to arecent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “In 2016,suicide became the second leading cause of death for ages 10 to 34 and the fourthleading cause for ages 35 to 54.” While it is not intuitive and isdifficult to understand, suicide ranks as the leading cause of death among allyouth aged 5 to11 years old.
Rev. Everett Bell, Jr., pastor of the Bethel AME Church of Monrovia, discouraged by the growing numbers of suicides and attempts, with the assistance of Impact Southern California CDC, is developing sustainable programs to bring awareness to this mass epidemic.
PastorBell is partnering with elected officials, public service organizations,community businesses, and other faith-based houses that desire to help stem thetide of suicidal ideations. Last year’s event was supported by CongresswomanGrace Napolitano, Assemblyman Chris Holden, State Senator Anthony Portantino,Monrovia Mayor Tom Adams, and D’Veal Family Services amongst many others.
T-Mobilehas agreed to serve as one of this year’s sponsors, along with the City ofMonrovia and the City of Duarte serving as co-sponsors. Los Angeles CountySupervisor Kathryn Barger is also on board as a sponsor.
A day of inspiring music will be on hand, along with speakers providing valuable information on how to recognize warning signs, how to be effective partners, and effective listeners, with the intent to let people know that they are not alone and that help is available. For more information email info@choose2live.live, or visit bethelmonrovia.com to sign up for the 5k race.
