Ramona's Yellow Ribbon Walk for Life Suicide Prevention Fundraiser

Lend a hand to programs that support the mental health of Ramona youth by taking part in the 5th Annual Yellow Ribbon Walk for Life Suicide Prevention event on Saturday, November 9, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ramona High School football field, 1401 Hanson Lane.

There is no registration fee to participate in the walk. This is a free event!

The community event is designed to raise awareness about suicide prevention and issues contributing to the mental health of youth. Proceeds from the event will provide programs in the Ramona Unified School District that address bullying, mental health issues, and stress reduction and team building among students.

In the United States a person dies by suicide every 15 minutes, claiming over 35,000 lives each year. Eight Ramonans were reported to have committed suicide in 2012. From 2000-09, suicide took the lives of 3,361 San Diegans. 

Among 5 to 14 year-olds, suicide is the fifth leading cause of death.  Among 15 to 24 year-olds, suicide is the third leading cause of death. The fastest-growing group completing suicide is children between the ages of 10 to 14. This rate has doubled in the last two decades.

There will be door prize drawings, food, and drinks for purchase and face painting available. The reflection area will allow participants to write messages of hope, post pictures and poems on the Memory Wall.  Walkers will be able to decorate bags with written messages on memory tea light bags that will light the football field at sunset. Memory beads of different colors are available to wear that represent various issues experienced personally about suicide.

The event includes the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) color guard, guest speakers, local singer Olivia Jensen, three local rock bands, OPMS Jazz Band, and ZUMBA instruction. Organizations providing information and resources of help will include McAlister Institute, Aurora Behavioral Health, North County Health Services, North Inland Community Prevention Program, Vista Hill SmartCare, Ramona Sheriff Department, and Ramona Fire Department.

For more information contact Kristina Krohne, Sun Valley PTA President at kristinakrohne@gmail.com.

All donations by check are payable to Sun Valley PTA. The mailing address is OPMS Middle School, Attn: Michele Mauney, 1521 Hanson Lane, Ramona, CA 92065.