Fresno Suicide Prevention Run/Walk draws more than 600

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A local nonprofit is trying to keep people from taking their own lives.

More than 600 residents took part in the 12th annual Suicide Prevention Run/Walk at Fresno's Woodward Park on Saturday. Afterward, they could stop by a variety of informational booths.

Organizers say the event honors lives lost to suicide, including members of our military. It also provides a comfortable setting for their loved ones to come together and offers resources to help people deal with difficult times.

"We want to make our community aware of this very, very tragic problem that we have. We lose an average of two people a week in Fresno County to suicide, so we want people to know that there are resources available, that there is help and there is hope," Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss Executive Director Leann Gouveia said.

This event is held every September in honor of National Suicide Prevention Month.

Organizers say this is the largest turnout they've ever had. They believe that may be due in part to the attention surrounding the suicide of actor Robin Williams.