The 7th Annual “Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope” will take place on Sept. 13-14 in 11 different communities across the state. The goal of the event is to increase awareness of the devastating effects suicide has on our nation and state, and to remember those who have been lost to suicide.
In Douglas County the Saturday, Sept. 14 walk will begin at Douglas City Historical Museum, 1477 Hwy 395 North, Gardnerville. Registration begins 8:00 am. In Yerington, the walk will be at the Boys and Girls Club, 124 N. Main St., Yerington. Registration begins at 10:30 am.
In Fallon, the city of Fallon community walk will begin on Maine Street from 10am-Noon on September 14. Registration for the community walk begins at 9:30am adjacent to the Maine Street fountain and City Hall. Go here for other walks planned for statewide.
The event is sponsored by the Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention and supported by the Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention, and community partners in Elko, Reno, Henderson, Douglas County, Winnemucca, Nixon, Caliente, Pahrump, Yerington and Mesquite.
Misty Allen, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, at Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health’s Office of Suicide Prevention, states, “Unfortunately, Nevada has the fourth highest rate of suicide in the nation.” Allen also states, “We have greatly increased efforts in Nevada to educate people about what to look for and how to help if someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide. Events such as ‘Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope’ assist in this goal by bringing the Coalition, community members, and other partners together in raising awareness.”
Most of the community walk events are opening registration at 8:00 am. You can register on line or download a printable registration form. For more information on each individual site, please visit the website at www.nvsuicideprevention.org.
September 8th through 14th is National Suicide Prevention Week. Please join the Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Office of Suicide Prevention, and local organizations in supporting these efforts. Together we can reduce the number of lives shaken by a needless and tragic death.
For more information on suicide prevention, including information on learning the signs of suicidal behavior go to www.nvsuicideprevention.org. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). To organize a Walk in your community or to take part in one of the walks, contact the Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention in Northern Nevada at (775) 443-7843, or in Southern Nevada at (702) 486-8225.