The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) recognizes the entire month of September as National Suicide Prevention Month: “a moment in time in which we rally the public to create awareness of this leading cause of death, and inspire more and more people to learn how they can play a role in their communities in helping to save lives.”
To bring awareness and share in a journey of hope and healing, the 6th annual Lake Region Out of the Darkness Walk will be held on Saturday, September 16 at Ruger Park. To date, over $70, 000 has been raised in the Lake Region. Monies are dispersed at the state level to local walk sites to help with trainings and survivor support, and on a national level for advocacy and research.
Our local event is sponsored by the Lake Region Suicide Prevention Coalition in conjunction with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Registration will begin at 9:15 a.m. Those who have earned a 2023 t-shirt by raising $150 can pick that up at the registration table. There will be music, pre-event activities, team photos, doughnuts and coffee. Attendees can take a few minutes to browse the information tables and pick out honor beads.
At 10:00 there will have a short program including the memorable bead ceremony and then the top team from last year will lead the way as we begin.
Walkers may want to give a wave to our local first responders who will be serving as crossing guards.
Those who wish to may stay for a free lunch after the walk. The Devils Lake Rotary Club is providing the food with the cooking being done by Lake Region Ambulance Service.
We want to thank the many local sponsors who help make this such a special event: Devils Lake Cars, Devils Lake Psychological Services, Proz End of the Line/Lakeside, Radioworks, Altru Clinic, First Community Credit Union, Farmer’s Union Oil, LaMottes Paint and Glass, Lifewise Associates, Bravera Bank, Bremer Bank, Devils Lake Doughnuts, First United Bank, Gleason Construction, High Plains Equipment, Lake Region Corp, Lake Region Grain CHS, Lake Region State College, Leading Edge Equipment, Mariah’s Cleaning, Mark’s Greenhouse, NDTC, Reslock Printing, Rural Psychiatry, Schwan Wholesale, Xtreme Signs and Graphix and Dunn Brothers.
Suicide prevention is important every day of the year. National Suicide Prevention Month gives us an opportunity to shine a special, encouraging light on this topic that affects us all, and send a clear, hopeful message that help is available, and suicide can be prevented.
Please join us for this time of hope and healing on September 16. If you are able, please pre-register at afsp.org/devilslake. For more information contact Theresa at 701-662-4790.
