The Northeast Region of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) will hold its 9th Annual Northeast Region Memorial Walk on Sunday, September 21, at 4 PM at Shelter 5, Duck Island within Warrior's Path State Park in Kingsport.

The walk is part of a series of events scheduled across the state of Tennessee throughout September as part of TSPN's observance of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The event will include a picnic dinner, live music, and remarks from local survivors of suicide. TSPN will also recognize longtime suicide prevention activist Sharon Phipps as this year's Regional Suicide Prevention Award winner. The event will conclude with a walk through Warrior's Path State Park and a memorial balloon release.

The Northeast Region Memorial Walk was founded by Linda Phipps Harold, a member of TSPN's Advisory Council, to honor her late son Travis Williams, but it has since been expanded into a community event memorializing all those lost to suicide. "This event continues to grow every year, strengthened by the memory of my son Travis and others we have lost," she said.

This year's observance is sponsored by Mountain State's Health Alliance. TSPN would also like to recognize the Smoke Shack out of Norton, Virginia, for providing the meal at the event.

The event is free to the general public, but pre-registration is required for catering purposes. Guests must sign up online via Facebook (http://on.fb.me/1AV6m6e). Those who do not have access to Facebook may sign up via Eventbrite (9thannualmemorialwalk.eventbrite.com). On-site registration will not be available.

For more information about the Northeast Region Memorial Walk or about TSPN, call (423) 361-2087 or e-mail [email protected].