Courtesy Photo Mary Schalk, program director for Partners in Prevention, met with the Alpena Lions Club on Tuesday, Aug. 8.

ALPENA — On Tuesday, Aug. 8, the Alpena Lions Club welcomed Mary Schalk, program director of Partners in Prevention.

Partners in Prevention was formed in 1996 to put forth a program of suicide prevention. Few in number but strong in conviction, the team has strived to engage people of all levels in understanding their vital role in preventing suicide.

Partners in Prevention and the Alpena Suicide Prevention Team have four goals; 1) Reduce the stigma and increase help-seeking behaviors. 2) Promote available resources. 3) Training and education for all. 4) Grow the team to increase community impact.

Schalk gave the following words of advice to the Lions: “Show you care, listen without judging, give hope and reassurance and encourage self-care.”

Partners in Prevention and the Alpena Suicide Prevention Team are hosting an awareness walk at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23. The two-mile walk will start at the Bay View Park Bandshell. All proceeds will benefit local suicide prevention efforts. Interested participants may register at partners-in-prevention.ticketleap.com//alpena-walk-2023/. Or you may email programs@nemcpi.org to receive a registration form.

The Alpena Lions thanked Schalk and Partners in Prevention for their efforts in serving our community. The Alpena Lions meet weekly at noon on Tuesdays at the First Congregational United Church of Christ. For more information, visit the Alpena Lions Facebook page or alpenalionsclub.com.