Healthy Minds for Lincoln County, the newly merged Mental Health and Drug Free Coalition, is joining the Merrill and Tomahawk Rocks initiative to increase awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Lincoln County residents are encouraged to explore the Merrill River Bend Trail and the Tomahawk River Walk Sept. 10–30. Rocks with positive messages will be hidden on the trails at this time and can be redeemed for a prize in both Merrill and Tomahawk communities.
All rocks that are affiliated with this initiative will be labeled as “prize rocks” and include either #MerrillRocks or #TomahawkRocks. There will also be information on the back of the rock about Healthy Minds for Lincoln County and where rocks can be redeemed for a prize. Residents can pick up their prize in Merrill at the Lincoln County Health Department, 607 N. Sales St., Suite 101 (lower level) or in Tomahawk at the North Central Health Care Office, 213 W. Wisconsin Ave.
“Spreading hope and positivity are the goals of this project,” says Kristin Bath, Public Health Educator for the Lincoln County Health Department. “While suicide prevention is important to focus on all year, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a time to come together around a difficult topic.”
Everyone can benefit from open and honest conversations around mental health and suicide. One conversation can change or save a life. If you or someone you know is in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255). If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text HOPELINE to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor. If it’s an emergency, call 911.
Healthy Minds for Lincoln County would like to give a special thank you to Lincoln County Department of Social Services’ Youth Groups for decorating the rocks for this project. Also, thank you to Ascension Good Samaritan Hospital for funding this initiative.
To learn more about Suicide Prevention Awareness Month visit: www.nami.org/suicideawarenessmonth. If you would like to get involved with Healthy Minds for Lincoln County, please contact Debbie Moellendorf, UW-Extension Lincoln County at 715-539-1077.