Suicide is most likely to affect young people; it is the 2nd leading cause of death for people aged 10-14 and the third leading cause for those aged 15-24 in the U.S.

Unfortunately for most, talking openly about suicide and the risk factors and reducing the stigma around the topic keeps those at risk feeling like they have nowhere to turn.

CORE (Choosing Openness Regarding Experiences), founded by Kari Swanson, a mental health provider in Warren, spreads awareness and education about suicide. CORE is a non-profit organization funded through fundraisers and generous donations from the community. The funds raised go toward bringing in professional speakers and purchasing mental health and suicide awareness billboards around Warren County.

Jennifer Suppa became involved with CORE after she was impacted by the suicides of three people close to her.

Mitchell Kelly with his twin niece and nephew, Ashlynn and Aiden Zawaki. Months after the photo, he committed suicide.

Along with her family and friends, Suppa attended CORE’s Glow Walk in 2021 and continues to volunteer to help spread the organization’s message.

“Mental health is ignored; we need to have honest conversations about suicide,” said Suppa. “There needs to be more education and less shame to encourage conversations.”

Over the summer, Warren local Olivia Zawaki and her children Aiden and Ashlynn held a virtual garage sale, donating $1,310 in proceeds to CORE.

Oliva Zawaki has also felt the devastating effects of suicide. Her brother, Mitchell Kelly, died by suicide on Sept. 22, 2014.

“With the 10th anniversary of his death approaching, I can’t believe we haven’t made more progress destigmatizing mental health and suicide,” said Zawaki. “Most people have been affected by suicide in some way, but we still don’t talk about it. I am not ashamed of the way my brother died. My brother’s illness killed him just like any other illness can.”

CORE will hold its annual Glow Walk event on Sept. 28 in Warren, between Liberty Street and Second Avenue.

This is the third year CORE will be downtown with an afternoon and evening of family-friendly activities.

“We have food vendors and community mental health providers come out; it is a family event,” said Suppa.

Molly Dies DU and Whiskey Joe will perform. The Glow Walk, “lighting up the dark,” begins at 8 p.m.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide or struggling with mental health, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7.