The Southeastern Utah Health Department along with the HOPE Squad of Carbon and Emery County would like to invite the entire community to the Fifth Annual HOPE Walk on Friday, September 8 at 6:00 pm beginning at the Price City Peace Garden. The walk is open to all ages to raise awareness, as well as, ending the stigma and misunderstanding that follows suicide.

Many people in Carbon and Emery counties have been touched by suicide and know all too well the impact it has on them personally and as a community. “We are really excited to offer this – suicide prevention is something that everyone should come out and support to bring awareness to it, suicide is preventable,” said Health Educator, Debbie Marvidikis. “For years people thought that there is nothing we can do about that but that’s just not true. The good thing about it is that you don’t have to be a psychiatrist or a physician to save someone’s life, you just have to care.” The entire purpose of the walk is to bring community members together to show compassion to those affected by suicide and offer hope to those that are silently suffering.

Event organizers encourage everyone to wear yellow, which is the symbol of suicide prevention. The group of walkers will depart from the Price City Peace Garden and make their way to Pioneer Park. Upon arrival, Castleview Hospital will provide a free brisket dinner with all the trimmings and live entertainment will be provided during the meal by Andrew Lasso’s Band.

After dinner, guest speakers will share inspirational stories and powerful messages that will change how one feels about suicide, as well as, attitudes towards survivors. A balloon release ceremony will be offered to all participants that have been affected by suicide as a symbol of loss and hope.

If you would like more information about the HOPE Squad or would like to be a part of the organization, you can call Debbie at the Health Department at 637-3671.