492 Pairs Of Shoes Will Represent A Tragic Fact Friday

Friday organizers are hoping to have 492 pairs of shoes placed on the City Hall Plaza steps from 9:30 to 11 a.m. No, they won’t be promoting a walk. The sneakers, high heels and boots will represent “those who have lost their lives to suicide.”

It’s part of Suicide Awareness Week. Here are some facts on suicide’s impact, both nationally and locally:

• Suicides are the 10^th leading cause of death in the U.S., followed by homicides ranking at 15^th. 
• In 2009, 36,909 suicides occurred nationwide – 2,809 of them in Texas.
• Hispanics accounted for 2,573 suicides nationwide. 
• Figures released from 2010 indicate that 492 suicides occurred in the greater Dallas area, 55 being Hispanic.

In addition to such speakers as Terry Bentley Hill, Roy Jackson and Peggy Marshall speaking at 10 a.m., families who have been effected by suicide will be present to share their stories.

Afterwards the shoes will be donated to the Well Community homeless shelter in Dallas. So, why not bring that pair of shoes you haven’t worn in ages? They just might help someone else walk toward a better way of life.