September is National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month

Alpena Suicide Prevention Walk Sept. 24

ALPENA -- Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, recognized on Sept. 10 every year. September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.

From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Alpena Farmers Market, you can get a variety of suicide prevention resources. You can also sign up for the third annual Alpena Suicide Prevention Walk, which will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Bay View Park in Alpena. Advance registration is $22 and includes a newly designed T-shirt.

"Suicide is a major public health concern," said Mary Schalk, Partners in Prevention program director and walk committee member. "It touches nearly everyone in one way or another, and if we want to prevent suicide, we need to get more comfortable talking about it."

Schalk explained the prevalence of suicide in our society.

"It is estimated that for every suicide death, there are 26 attempts, and 275 who have seriously considered suicide," Schalk said, referring to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "It's such a tragedy when someone dies."

She added that many resources are available, and that talking about your thoughts and feelings is vital to preventing tragedy.

"So many people are struggling and need support," Schalk said. "Resources are available for taking care of their mental health."

The walk will begin with registration from 9 to 10 a.m., an opening ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by a roughly two-mile walk throughout downtown Alpena, including along the Thunder Bay River on the Maritime Heritage Trail. Live music will be played from 9 a.m. to noon at the Alpena Bandshell at Bay View Park. A variety of community organizations will have resource tables set up at the event. The walk is a fundraiser for suicide prevention and awareness. All proceeds stay local.

For more information about the Alpena Suicide Prevention Walk, call Partners in Prevention at 989-356-2880, or visit "Alpena Suicide Prevention Walk" on Facebook.

If you cannot attend, but would like to make a donation, please send a check made out to Partners in Prevention to 1600 W. Chisholm St., Ste. C, Alpena MI 49707.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.