Billings

Suicide prevention walk in Billings Sunday

Posted: Sep 15, 2012 6:39 AM by Q2 News

Here in the U.S. someone commits suicide every 17 minutes - that's 32,000 people each year. Every 60 seconds someone attempts suicide.

Now to the kicker - Montana has the highest suicide rate in the nation per capita, and ranks in the top three worst states for suicide over the past three decades.
Yellowstone County numbers are just as disturbing.

This week is Suicide Awareness Prevention Week. The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley, Montana Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and RiverStone Health join efforts to bring further awareness to these devastating statistics, and the lives lost because people often feel alone, hopeless or that suicide is the only answer.Education is a key tool in preventing suicide.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Week (September 9-16) is one way to educate the public about suicide's devastating toll in our state. The awareness week culminates Sunday, September 16th, with the Out of the Darkness Walk. The walk is sponsored by the Montana Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone Valley.

Walk Details:

Length: 3 miles, with an option of walking 1/3 of a mile for individuals with limited mobility.
Cost: Registration is FREE. Individuals who raise $150 earn an Out of the Darkness t-shirt. For each $40 raised by the Walk date, individuals earn a chance for a raffle prize. A silent auction at the Walk offers other great donated prizes.
Website: www.OutoftheDarkness.org Click on Events, >sort by state, >Billings Walk. All details at Billings Walk webpage.
Registration: Registering at the website before the Walk is not mandatory