SUICIDE: Walk for prevention

A young, promising woman, a successful businessman, an accomplished veteran. Each story behind suicide is unique, but jointly laced with mystery, blame, anguish and sadness.

These feelings spread well beyond the family of survivors. With every new story, many of us on the outside are reminded of another friend, father, daughter or neighbor who completed suicide a time ago. It’s difficult to ignore the thoughts of what was going on with our loved one’s life and what we might have missed.

According to the Idaho Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN), 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. In 2013, Idaho had the seventh highest suicide rate in the country; 47 percent higher than the national average.

We have the opportunity to fight these statistics by tearing away the stigma related to suicide and mental illness and instead, engaging in each other’s lives. Join us for the annual “Save the One” walk to remember those lost to suicide, support survivors and learn more about helping those struggling with suicidal thoughts. All donations help North Idaho’s SPAN organization spread awareness and conduct prevention training in our community. SPAN is addressing a serious issue and deserves our community’s support.

Annual “Save the One” Suicide Prevention Memorial 5K Walk

Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015

Registration opens at 9 a.m., Walk begins at 10 a.m.

Location: O’Shays Pub, 313 E. Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

LORA WHALEN

Panhandle Health District Director