The 2nd Annual “Shed Some Light on Mental Health Walk” will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Veteran’s Memorial Park, Tomahawk; registration starts at 8:30 a.m. The purpose of the walk is to bring awareness to suicide and increase awareness on mental health issues. The walk is free of charge and is sponsored by Lincoln County Suicide Prevention Task Force.
“Suicide awareness in our communities is essential for people of all ages,” said Deb Schillinger, one of the co-organizers of the event. “The walk is a chance for people to learn more about mental health issues, recognize the signs of suicide and remember those we’ve lost.”
Walk registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park; preregistration is not required. The event will begin with a brief opening ceremony. After the completion of the two-mile walk, information booths by local agencies will be available. The event will happen rain or shine.
From 2008-2012, Lincoln County had 26 reported suicides. In Wisconsin, of those who committed suicide, 66% of victims had a current depressed mood and 51% had a current mental health problem. (2008 The Burden of Suicide in Wisconsin)
“Shed Some Light on Mental Health Walk” is sponsored by Lincoln County Suicide Prevention Task Force. The task force is a collaboration of Marshfield Clinic, Merrill Fire Department, Merrill Police Department, Merrill Area Public Schools, Tomahawk Public Schools, North Central Health Care, Children’s Health Alliance of WI and Lincoln County Coroner, Lincoln County District Attorney and Lincoln County Health Department. The purpose of the task force is to increase suicide awareness and prevention.
For more information on the walk, contact Tammi Boers, Lincoln County Health Department at 715-539-1373 or visit www.healthypeoplelincolncounty.com.
If you are interested in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training for your business or a local organizations, contact Trina Knospe (715-536-9593 ext. 313), Tammi Boers (715-539-1373), or Deb Schillinger (715-453-2126 ext 130). To view the list, visit www.healthypeoplelincolncounty.com.