Messages of love and kindness and the beats of local bands filled the Ithaca Commons on September 21 at the annual Chalk the Walk kickoff event hosted by the Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service of Tompkins County (SPCS).

Chalk the Walk, among many activities marking National Suicide Prevention Month in September, included a call to action for community members to “grab your chalk, find a sidewalk” and write messages throughout the week on the themes of Strength in Connection, Hope is Real, It’s OK to Ask for Help, Resilience, and Be the Light.

“Chalk the Walk focuses on spreading awareness of being knowledgeable of your own mental health, challenging the stigma around talking about suicide, and spreading positivity and kindness,” said Tiffany Bloss, SPCS executive director. “Make others smile and feel a little less alone.”

The Chalk the Walk kickoff in the Commons kept spirits high with music by the Dart Brothers, The Galactic Wednesday Band, and AFTERMARKET. 

The Dart Brothers at Chalk the Walk

Local organizations prioritizing mental health provided information about their services and answered questions from the public. They included SPCS, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Greater Central New York, Tompkins County Whole Health, Advocacy Center of Tompkins County, YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County, Tompkins County Office for the Aging, and The Sophie Fund.