2019 Ridge Road Run

Little Silver - May 19th marked this year's Ridge Road Run for Suicide Prevention and began with heavy rain as racers arrived for check in. Each year the race brings together students from Red Bank Regional, Rumson - Fair Haven High School, and Red Bank Catholic along with members of the community to raise funds for The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County as well as each school's mental health programs. When asked why he got involved with the race this year race committee member and RFH Junior Jacob Gerbman shared that suicide prevention was a cause that meant alot to him and unfortunately was an issue that too many people could relate to. Alas Jacob is correct as per the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, it is estimated that in 2017 alone over a million Americans attempted to take their own lives and sadly that statistic continues to rise. In addition to the high school students and faculty present, many groups of runners came to honor the memories of loved ones in the comunity who'd tragically committed suicide while others wished to break the stigma surrounding depression to help people seek help. As Jacob shared, acts of kindness like looking out for a friend going through a tough time or sitting next to a kid at lunch eating alone could make all the difference in the world. As the skies cleared before the race began, Mother Nature reminded everyone that we can all weather the storms in our lives to greet the sunshine of better days together. If you are in emotional distress, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 and remember you are not alone.

Suicide Statistic Source: https://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/