Two RiverView Health programs are joining forces to promote connection, education, and support at a September 10 suicide awareness and prevention walk.
Team members from the RiverView Recovery Center (RRC) and RiverView’s Senior Life Solutions (SLS) program will host the free event in recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and National Recovery Month.
“The ‘why’ behind the walk is simple: both recovery and suicide prevention are rooted in hope, connection, and reducing stigma,’’ shared Leane LaFrance, director of the RiverView Recovery Center. “We want to bring awareness to issues that are often considered taboo or difficult to discuss in our rural communities, while helping people recognize warning signs, access resources, and know that support is available.’’
With the message, “Break the Stigma. Hope Prevents. Recovery Restores,’’ the event is designed to raise awareness while creating opportunities for conversation, learning, and connection. Through education and community engagement, organizers hope to empower individuals and families with information and resources and encourage them to seek help when they need it.
An educational resource tent will be staffed by a mental health therapist, behavioral health RN and substance use disorder treatment staff who will be available to answer questions and provide information. Community members also will have access to free, brief substance use and mental health symptom screening tools that do not require names or other identifying information.
Information will also be available regarding the new sharps and medication disposal kiosks at RiverView Health, along with other prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.
“Together, we hope to demystify and break the stigma surrounding these important issues, bring awareness to their prevalence within our communities, and remind people that hope, support, prevention, and recovery are possible,’’ LaFrance stated. “Education is a major component of this event. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in open and honest dialogue about mental health, substance use, suicide prevention, and recovery while accessing information and local resources.’’
The event will be held at the Crookston Sports Center. Registration begins at 4:00 p.m., with the walk taking place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. All are welcome. The registration form can be found at https://www.riverviewhealth.org/forms/break-the-stigma-suicide-awareness-and-preventionwalk/.
For more information, call Senior Life Solutions at 218.281.9559.
“Together we can create a community where seeking help is a sign of strength, recovery is celebrated, and every life is valued,’’ LaFrance concluded.
