Gridley Parks and Recreation Director Ashley Ayala speaks about suicide awareness and prevention at Gridley’s Suicide Vigil. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - On a blustery and moody Friday evening, members of our area communities gathered in Gridley’s Daddow Park for a solemn event, the inaugural Suicide Vigil.

With September being suicide awareness month, Gridley Parks and Recreation (GPR) teamed up with Butte County Behavioral Health and Gridley Councilmember Angel Calderon to hold the vigil, inviting members of the public to come out and remember those lost to suicide.

The GPR booth had candles available for guests to light and place at a beautifully decorated table set up at the gazebo, draped in purples (suicide awareness color) and adorned in flowers. Support, prevention, and healing resources were available to attendees.

Calderon and GPR Director Ashely Ayala took a moment to speak to the small turnout, thanking them for coming out despite the poor weather. Each spoke on how important an issue suicide prevention is and how suicide has somehow impacted their lives.

Our rural communities have experienced many losses to suicide, increasing over the last few years to include our youth population. With Calderon’s background in behavioral health, he shared that Gridley used to have the highest percentage of suicides in the State (circa 1996) and expressed urgency in providing support and resources to those suffering. He stressed that simply making a connection could change the course of life for someone wrestling with thoughts of suicide.

Guests were invited to light candles, encouraged to write affirmations on wooden boards to be displayed at the GPR building and share their stories during an open mic time. Many mingled among themselves, quietly reminiscing, grieving and taking in the soothing environment over coffee and pastries.

Ayala said, “I think it’s really important that we address this issue because it’s really more prevalent than anyone can imagine.” and thanked the community for turning out for the event. Calderon called it a “godsend for Gridley”.

Gridley Parks and Recreations lights candles for guests to place at an altar in remembrance of loved ones lost to suicide. Photo by Seti Long