Lexington Hosts First Inaugural Suicide Awareness Event

Lexington, Kentucky, September 5, 2025

News Summary

A significant suicide awareness event took place in Lexington at the Fayette County Courthouse, aimed at raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Organized by Jamie Palumbo, the event brought together community leaders, advocates, and families affected by suicide, emphasizing the importance of support and resources. Sheriff Kathy Witt highlighted the critical need for mental health resources, while various organizations provided essential information. The event demonstrated a positive shift in conversations surrounding mental health, urging individuals to seek help through the 988 hotline.

Lexington, Kentucky – A significant suicide awareness event took place on Thursday evening at the Fayette County Courthouse, marking the first inaugural gathering aimed at raising awareness about suicide and promoting mental health conversations. The event was organized by Jamie Palumbo, who highlighted the importance of reaching out to friends and family with love and support.

Attendees at the event included advocates, victims’ families, public officials, and community leaders all united in their mission to address mental health issues. Sheriff Kathy Witt from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office spoke about the critical need for resources and support for individuals struggling with mental health challenges.

This gathering served as Lexington’s first organized event for suicide prevention advocates and provided essential information and resources focused on suicide prevention and mental health. Various organizations present aimed to promote mental well-being among different demographic groups, showcasing the commitment to inclusivity.

Monica Calleja, director of the Casa de la Cultura, shared insights into the unique challenges faced by Latin Americans in the Lexington community, emphasizing the pressing need for support in addressing community stressors. Additionally, the Lexington Police Chief made a special dedication in honor of Mayor Linda Gorton during the event.

The event underscored a positive shift in conversations surrounding mental health and suicide prevention, which are increasingly recognized as critical issues. According to the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, over 800 people died by suicide in Kentucky in 2023, highlighting the urgency of this initiative.

An alliance of diverse resources was established to better serve various communities, specifically targeting veterans, BIPOC, Hispanic/Latino groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, and farmers. Tai Punsuchart, coordinator with 988, reiterated the importance of normalizing discussions about mental health and suicide, encouraging open dialogue within communities.

Participants were urged to seek mental health support by calling 9-8-8 if they found themselves in crisis. The event not only aimed at raising awareness but also fostered a sense of togetherness among attendees, promoting a culture of support and understanding regarding mental health issues.

Event Highlights

• First inaugural suicide awareness event in Lexington
• Location: Fayette County Courthouse
• Focus on mental health resources and community support
• Over 800 suicides recorded in Kentucky in 2023
• Encouraged crisis support through 988 hotline

Background Context

This event marks a pivotal step in addressing the concerning statistics surrounding suicide in Kentucky. With ongoing challenges in mental health awareness, such gatherings serve not only to spread hope and provide resources but also to stimulate essential conversations across communities that have historically been marginalized or underserved.

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Additional Resources

• WKYT News
• Lex 18 News
• Fox 56 News
• PR Newswire
• Kentucky.com
• Wikipedia: Suicide Prevention
• Google Search: Mental Health Awareness
• Google Scholar: Suicide Prevention Research
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
• Google News: Suicide Awareness Events

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.