Walk for Hope benefiting Prevent Suicide Columbia County

Come WALK FOR HOPE with us. All proceeds benefit Prevent Suicide Columbia County and its local suicide prevention initiatives. Our third annual Walk for Hope will take place on Sunday, September 27th at 1:00 pm at a new location: the Portage High School. This family-friendly event features loops around the track in honor of suicide prevention awareness month, as well as speakers, live music, remembrance projects, educational booths, and an optional free QPR Suicide Prevention Training. We have all been affected by suicide in our communities. Let's join together in remembering our loved ones and extending hope to those who are still suffering.

Schedule:
1:00 pm: Check-in/Registration
1:00 - 1:30 pm: Listen to live music, design a message to attach to a balloon, sign up to have your loved one's name read aloud, and browse our educational booths
1:30 pm: Welcome, speaker, and reading of names ceremony
2:00 pm: Balloon Release and Walk Begins. The length of walk is to be determined by each participant. Suggested lap themes: Walk Lap 1 to honor a loved one you have lost to suicide. Walk Lap 2 for those who struggle with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and/or suicidal thoughts. Walk Lap 3 to honor someone you know who is struggling with the loss of a loved one who died by suicide. Walk Lap 4 to thank someone you know who works to prevent suicide (mental health professionals, law enforcement, school staff, EMS, and everyday people who offer a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, and a referral to help). Walk Lap 5 for yourself, to honor your struggle. Walk Lap 6 for hope, for your vision of a suicide-free community. Repeat laps as desired.
3:00 - 4:30 pm: Optional free QPR Suicide Prevention Training