Third Annual Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk set for October 8

The Third Annual Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk will take place from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct, 8, at the Four Seasons Sports Complex in Carlton. Last year, 200 walkers from around the region and state participated in this free community event.

“Carlton County and the surrounding area has a very high rate of suicides, based on statistics from the Minnesota Department of Health –among the most serious in the state,” said Meghann Condit, health educator for Carlton County Public Health and Human Services. “This event allows family and friends who have been impacted by suicide to remember those they have lost, as well as connect with others who have had the same or similar experience.”

“Virtually everyone has been touched by suicide, whether the suicide or attempt has been by a friend, relative, patient, client or co-worker,” said Jim Youngman, program director of the Human Development Center in Cloquet.

There will be a short walk (approximately 20-25 minutes), followed by refreshments and a short educational/remembrance presentation. This year’s presentation will be given by Dr. Dan Reidenberg, executive director for SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, www.save.org). Reidenberg, a nationally and internationally known speaker on the topic of suicide, spoke at the first walk, and is very pleased to return.

Jo Angell, a mother who lost her son to suicide and who has been involved with the local Carlton County Suicide Prevention Task Force, said, “This walk has been an important piece of healing for my family. It has been very helpful to have a day where people come together for the same reason, and the support has been great.”

The walk will begin and end at the Four Seasons Sports Complex. This is not a fundraiser; however, participants may want to wear something with the name/picture of the person they are honoring (not required). In addition, participants will have the opportunity to tie a ribbon to the banner to be carried on the walk in memory of the person they are honoring. Information on suicide awareness and education will be available. Everyone is welcome to participate and participants typically include people from the local area, as well as some from neighboring counties. They are family members, friends, human service and mental health workers and many others whose lives have been affected by suicide or an attempt.

The Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk was organized by a workgroup, made up of members from the Carlton County Suicide Prevention Task Force. The work group, consisting of many community members as well as professionals, continues to meet and plan further events and projects for suicide prevention and education in Carlton County. It is also sponsored by the Human Development Center in Cloquet and Carlton County Public Health and Human Services.

In observing the importance of mental wellness, the Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk has become an annual October event – happening the second Saturday of the month. No preregistration is necessary.

For more information, contact Meghann Condit at 218-878-2846.

~ Press release

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