It’s time once again to catch up with the HOPE Squad of Carbon, Emery and Grand Counties to see what’s going on with the organization. Castle Country Radio was able to sit down with Suicide Prevention Specialist, Amanda McIntosh to discuss advocacy day at the capital, new Utah license plate and the annual community walk in September.

The Utah Legislation is currently in session and taking place at the State Capital in Salt Lake. The HOPE Squad of Carbon, Emery and Grand Counties are planning to attend advocacy day on Feb. 23 with other agencies in the state. “We’re going to be up there with the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention and NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness. It’s a day to come together with other advocates across the state to meet with our legislators, and kind of tell them about our lived experiences, why certain bills are important to us. It’s just a good day to get together on the hill,” stated McIntosh. This is great time to meet other agencies in the state to discuss mental health issues and concerns with elected officials.

Last year at the legislation there was a bill that was presented to bring a specialized Utah license plate to recognize Suicide Prevention and Awareness through a campaign called “Live On.” Right now, applications are being accepted by drivers who wish to obtain this exclusive plate and the first 500 applicants will have the specialized license plate fee waived this year.  “What’s unique about this is that once all the registrations are in or all the applications are in for the license plate, next year when we renew that specialized license plate, the money that we have to spend to keep that specialized license plate, goes straight to the Live On campaign, then is disbursed throughout the state to the local health departments,” said McIntosh. The making of the license plates will take up to 6 months before they are distributed. There is a special application that needs to be completed if you wish to obtain a Live On plate. The link to the application can be found on the HOPE Squad of Carbon, Emery and Grand Counties Facebook page.

The annual HOPE Squad of Carbon, Emery and Grand Counties community walk will take place on Saturday, Sept. 16. Right now, event organizers are wanting to get the word out to start getting sponsors lined up and to notify participants of the walk. “So we’re starting early this year to push it out and try to drive home the need for donations, for sponsorships, and things like that. Last year with just 15 walkers, we raised over $3,000.00, and a goal that we have set for this year is $10,000.00 and I think we can do it. That was another reason why we wanted to start pushing it early, is just to get those donations, and those sponsorships in,” explained McIntosh. This is a great time for individuals, families, and companies to put together a group to walk. If you want more information on how to be a part of the HOPE Squad of Carbon, Emery and Grand Counties community walk just contact them on Facebook.