Annual event offers a space to remember loved ones, connect with others and encourage anyone struggling to seek support
BLUFFTON, Ind. – Sept. 22, 2026 – Suicide affects individuals, families and communities across Indiana, but awareness, connection and access to support can make a difference. Following National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Parkview Behavioral Health Institute (PBHI) – Park Center is bringing the community together to honor loved ones lost to suicide, support survivors and reinforce an important message: help is available, and no one is alone.
The annual Suicide Awareness Walk will take place Saturday, Oct. 3, and is open to anyone who has been affected by suicide or wants to support suicide prevention efforts in the community.
“Suicide continues to impact far too many individuals and families in our communities, but there is hope and help available,” said Laura Murphy, LMHC, MHA, director of clinical services for PBHI – Park Center and organizer of the walk. “This event brings people together to support one another, honor loved ones and remind anyone who may be struggling that they are not alone. Our goal is to create a space where people feel seen, supported and encouraged to reach out for help when they need it.”
The Suicide Awareness Walk will be held at Bluffton High School, 1 Tiger Trail in Bluffton, from 4 to 6 p.m. Check-in begins at 4 p.m., followed by opening remarks at 4:30 p.m. The one-mile walk (four laps) around the track will take place from 4:45 to 6 p.m.
Attendees who have lost a loved one and wish to honor their memory, or who want to uplift someone dealing with suicidal thoughts, can honor them with their walk. Walkers will have the opportunity to decorate a paper cut-out of a balloon with the person’s name; the balloons will be displayed on a sky-themed banner during the event as a symbolic “balloon launch” (an environmentally friendly alternative to releasing latex or mylar balloons into the air). Balloon decoration will take place at check-in.
Restroom facilities will be available on-site, and strollers and service animals are permitted at the track.
To register, visit Parkview.com/SuicideAwarenessWalk. For questions or more information, call (260) 273-2646.
Help is always available
Parkview Behavioral Health Institute – Park Center, is based in Fort Wayne at 909 East State Blvd., with additional offices at 1909 Carew St. and 2710 Lake Ave. Rural offices are located at 213 Fairview Blvd in Kendallville, 809 High St. in Decatur, 1115 S. Main St. in Bluffton, and 26 Victory Noll Dr. in Huntington, Indiana. The PBHI HelpLine, 260-471-9440 (or 800-284-8439 toll-free), is open 24/7 for individuals who are experiencing a crisis or need information on behavioral health services. Experienced HelpLine specialists provide confidential assessments, information and referrals for services, or admission assistance for inpatient or outpatient services, if needed.
Anyone in crisis or experiencing mental distress and in need of support can also call or text 988 to reach mental health professionals via the nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 988 provides confidential, 24/7 help through a network of more than 200 crisis centers supported by state and federal resources.
