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Suicide prevention walk set for September 9 |
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August 4, 2017 |
The Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN) of
Idaho will commemorate National Suicide
Prevention Month September 9 in Coeur d'Alene
with the ‘Break the Silence’ walk. The 5K walk
is SPAN’s signature fundraising event bringing
together friends, family, and neighbors to
increase awareness of suicide in North Idaho.
According to the Idaho Vital Statistics, suicide
is the second leading cause of death for
Idahoans age 15-34 and for males age 10-14.
Idaho is consistently among the states with the
highest suicide rates.
“Whether or not you’ve been directly affected,
we all understand that deaths by suicide are too
common and have become a serious public health
issue in North Idaho,” said Lora Whalen,
Panhandle Health District Director. “It’s
important for us to come together - advocating
for good policy, smart approaches to mental
health and greater support for those affected by
suicide.”
The event kicks off with brief remarks and
check-in at Riverstone Park, 1805 Tilford Lane,
Coeur d'Alene, at 9:30 a.m., before participants
take to the course along the Centennial Trail.
Participants can register online by
clicking here. Registration is free, with an
option to purchase a ‘Break the Silence’ t-shirt
for $20.
In partnership with local health organizations,
SPAN is dedicated to continuing suicide
awareness programs, support groups and
educational opportunities in North Idaho.
All proceeds from registration costs fund SPAN’s
local suicide prevention efforts and resources.
SPAN Idaho’s mission is to eradicate suicide in
Idaho through statewide advocacy, collaboration
and education in best practices. SPAN has
created statewide regional chapters to carry out
prevention efforts at the local level, and
regularly conduct training conferences for with
nationally recognized speakers.
To learn more about SPAN’s suicide prevention
efforts in northern Idaho, visit
http://www.spanidaho.org/region-1-coeur-dalene. |
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