Take a walk in memory and hope

On Saturday — World Suicide Prevention Day — the Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention (NCSP) and the Churchill Community Coalition will host their “Walk in Memory, Walk for Hope” event at Laura Mills Park.

Fallon has awareness about this issue, said Kathi Merrill, event coordinator who works in administration at the Churchill Community Coalition. She referred to the community’s deep loss last year of a 13-year-old girl.

“There are numbers that are pretty scary,” Merrill said. “For the size of this town, it’s very shocking — and the number of attempts.”

Walk registration is at 8 a.m. with the run at 9 a.m. The couple loops around the park’s walking path will conclude with a special presentation and access to informative vendors including counselors.

“If people want to talk to somebody or get information, services both here and in Reno will have people there,” Merrill said.

The worldwide suicide prevention ribbon logo will be unveiled as a small statue design. A couple dozen of the art pieces will be placed around the city. The design includes a plaque reading, “This ribbon is a lifeline, and it carriers a message that there those who care and will help.” The design also includes a number individuals can text as well as a crisis call center number.

“It’s not a topic people want to talk about,” Merrill said. “In talking to kids, we’ve found if we can put something in writing someone can just read, it’s good. Especially with technology today, the text line and call numbers are huge for them.”

All are welcome at the event, and donations are appreciated. Contributions go to NCSP to advance its mission of evidence-based suicide prevention, intervention and post-vention strategies and programs in the state.

This is the walk’s fourth consecutive year, and the event will last to about 11 a.m. Last year drew about 80 attendees.

Registration forms can be downloaded and filled out beforehand to save time at www.ChurchillCoalition.com/ccc-news/walk-in-memory-walk-for-hope.