Winnemucca residents, friends, and families are invited to "Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope" this Saturday, September 10th. People all over the state will be walking in their communities this Saturday in the Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention's suicide awareness and prevention walks.
In Winnemucca, walkers will meet to register at 8 a.m. at the Winnemucca Community Garden. The suggested registration fee for each walker is $20 but higher donations are very welcome and the donation is not required — everyone is welcome to walk. Groups that register together will receive special recognition at the event.
There is also a walk scheduled in the community of McDermitt. Walkers meet at the Tribal Youth Center/Gym Complex and registration begins at 10 a.m.
This is the 10th annual Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope community suicide prevention awareness walk. Fourteen different Nevada communities have organized walks.
The Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention (NCSP) is the sponsoring organization for the walks. NCSP came into being March of 2005. The organization's goal is to address suicide as a major community and public health issue that requires a community solution.
Nevada's suicide statistics are consistently among the highest in the US. In addition to the Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope event, there are other efforts being made to address risk of suicide locally.
In Humboldt County, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) has been offered to caregivers. The last training was completed August 23 and 24 and community organizers have said there will be future opportunities.
SOS (signs of suicide) training is scheduled for Lowry High School and Winnemucca Junior High School this year as well. Trainers from the office of suicide prevention in Reno will be coming to Winnemucca to present the training.
