SPAN holding 11th annual 'Break the Silence' walk

The community is invited to jon the Suicide Prevention Action Network of North Idaho at its 11th annual “Break the Silence” 5K walk to end suicide and raise awareness later this month. The walk is in remembrance of those lost to suicide and an effort to raise awareness to prevent suicide.

“Last year, we had over 800 people register to walk with us, so we are hoping to see at least that many come out this year,” said Lora Whalen, SPAN Chair and Panhandle Health District director. “We recognize suicide and non-fatal suicidal behavior are major public health problems, but they can be preventable and that’s what we are working towards.”

The SPAN walk is a way that people can connect with each other and also connect with evidence-based resources where they can learn skills to prevent suicides. The walk allows organizations that provide community resources to have a table at the walk for free. Some of those organizations include: North Idaho Crisis Center, Ambitions of North Idaho, Heritage Health, Idaho Lives Project, North Idaho College student support services and Idaho Youth Ranch, just to name a few.

This year’s walk will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m.-noon at Riverstone Park, 1805 Tilford Lane, Coeur d’Alene. You can register online at spannorthidaho.com or register at the event beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Participants will receive a commemorative, long sleeve T-shirt with their $30 registration fee or anyone can walk for free. Everyone, however, is asked to register.

Suicide continues to be the second leading cause of death for Idahoans age 15-34 and for males up to age 44. Idaho is also consistently in the top 10 states with the highest suicide rates and 60% of suicides in Idaho involve a firearm. SPAN of North Idaho is trying to change those statistics by educating and advocating for our community.

“We realize so many people in our communities have been affected by suicide,” said Jill Ainsworth, SPAN of North Idaho Walk committee chair. “We want to reduce the stigma around talking about mental health.”

Suicide is a major challenge to public health. It contributes to premature death, morbidity, lost productivity and health care costs. Suicide causes are complex and determined by multiple factors. The goal of suicide prevention is to reduce factors that increase risk and strengthen support factors. SPAN of North Idaho supports strategies to promote awareness of suicide and encourage a commitment to social change. Everyone has a role in preventing suicide.

For more information or opportunities to get involved, contact Jill Ainsworth at 208-415-5103. To learn more about SPAN’s suicide prevention efforts, go online to panhandlehealthdistrict.org/suicide-prevention

Information: spannorthidaho.com