SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — After losing her daughter to suicide, a mother is now doing what she can to create change for people who struggle with their mental health, and for those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
People gathered in downtown Sioux Falls for the first annual Hailey’s Legacy Rally for Suicide Awareness and Prevention. The rally is in memory of Hailey Barrick, who died by suicide in February.
While the rally is named after Hailey, her mother Larissa Strong wanted it to be a healing place for people who didn’t know her daughter.
“I wanted to really make sure that we are honoring our loved ones that have passed from suicide and asked if anybody wanted to share their loved one with their life dates and if they wanted to share the manner in which they had passed from here, they could. And so we ended up with 50 souls that are on there,” Hailey Barrick’s mom, Larissa Strong said.
At the event different organizations and resources were available for both loved ones who were impacted by suicide, and people who struggle with their mental health.
“NAMI is here today to show that mental illness and suicide sometimes go hand in hand. A lot of people who die by suicide or attempt suicide oftentimes have mental illnesses that are untreated or are struggling,” National Alliance on Mental Illness Sheri Nelson said.
“Suicide is such a taboo subject and people don’t want to talk about it. And there’s a lot of loneliness and isolation and love for the survivors of suicide. And it’s important to support those folks as well in their grief,” Moms Demand Action Julie Parker said.
As a mother, who still grieves for her daughter, brings other people together to heal.
“Divided we fall. So together we can make a difference. And it’s super important to be supportive of each other and to make a change. That’s really what it is. And then we all can start our healing process,” Strong said.
Click here for more information on Hailey’s Legacy, and the legislation they are trying to pass.
If you or someone you know suffers from suicidal thoughts, there is help. 988 is the Suicide Hotline number, with people ready to talk with you.
