HEALTH & WELLNESS

Putnam community to walk for suicide prevention

Officials gather for the dedication the Garden of Hope and Healing on the Putnam Trailway in Carmel, which has been created "in loving memory" of all those who have died by suicide as a place to give comfort and increase suicide awareness and provide community support for individuals and families who have been touched by suicide loss.

Photo: Emile Menasché

Posted Monday, October 5, 2026 10:32 pm

Finding hope at Carmel's Gardens of Remembrance

The Nicole Ettere Memorial Gardens Foundation honors Nicole’s memory by creating public gardens where people affected by suicide loss can reflect, remember loved ones and connect with others. Through its Gardens of Hope, Healing and Remembrance and peer-led support groups, the foundation works to raise awareness, reduce stigma and help those grieving feel less alone.

In May, officials, faith leaders and loved ones gathered to dedicate the Garden of Hope and Healing on the Putnam Trailway in Carmel. The garden provides a place to honor those who have died by suicide and find comfort in a shared space of remembrance. The recent garden is the second inn the Town of Carmel, joining one at 110 Old Route 6, the Donald B. Smith Putnam County Government Campus.

Putnam County residents will gather in Carmel Hamlet later this month to raise awareness about suicide prevention, remember those lost to suicide and support people affected by suicide and mental health struggles.

The annual Putnam Out of the Darkness Community Walk will be held Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Putnam County Office Building, 40 Gleneida Ave. Check-in begins at 10 a.m., with the walk stepping off at 11 a.m.

The event is part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Community Walks, held in communities across the country to raise awareness and support suicide prevention education, research, advocacy and programs for people affected by suicide loss.

Participants may walk in memory of someone who died by suicide, in support of a loved one, in recognition of their own mental health journey or simply to support suicide prevention efforts.

The Putnam County Suicide Prevention Task Force is encouraging residents and community organizations to participate and join its team for the walk.

“Too many families in Putnam County and across our country have felt the devastating impact of suicide and mental health struggles,” County Executive Kevin Byrne said. “The Out of the Darkness Walk is about reminding people that they are not alone, that asking for help is a sign of strength, and that there is always hope.”

Sara Servadio, commissioner of the Putnam County Department of Mental Health, Social Services & Youth Bureau, said the event also provides an opportunity to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.

“The Out of the Darkness Walk is an important opportunity for our community to stand together, remember those we have lost, support those who have been affected by suicide, and reinforce the message that help and hope are available,” Servadio said. “Every person who participates helps reduce stigma, encourages conversation and strengthens our shared commitment to suicide prevention in Putnam County.”

The walk will also feature music by DJ KristyV and food trucks, including Iguana Taco and Wandering Dave’s. Local organizations and community partners will also participate.

Community members are encouraged to register in advance at afsp.org/putnam. Those wishing to walk with the Putnam County Suicide Prevention Task Force can select the Task Force team during registration.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention supports research, education, advocacy, community programs and services for people affected by suicide loss.

Article provided by the Putnam County Executive's Office