Even though May is still a day away, a local group is getting a head start on spreading awareness for Mental Health Awareness Month.

On Saturday, the group’s founder, Fonda Bryant, and others walked a one-mile loop 28 times in Uptown. The number honors the number of years since Bryant survived a suicide attempt. She calls suicide a public health issue that impacts everyone.

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“If it wasn’t for my aunt 28 years ago, if I hadn’t called her to tell her she could have my shoes, She leaped into action like a superhero; I wouldn’t be here,” Bryant told Channel 9.

Bryant began this walk in 2022 when she walked all the way from the Queen City to Gastonia. After each mile of the walk, she read off the name of a person who took their own life to honor their memory.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please click here for a list of resources.

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