The 16th Annual Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk will take place on Saturday, October 12, from 9:30-11:30am.

An average of 150 community members attend the free event in memory of loved ones lost to, or touched by suicide, and to bring awareness towards prevention.

At this year’s event, there will be a short walk, followed by light refreshments and a short message of hope from Mara Luar, a suicide loss survivor.

Community resources will also be highlighted including Yellow Leaf Support Center and Minnesota Suicide Prevention Regional Coordination.

Students from Carlton will be helping out. School social worker Amanda Radtke shared, “I am the advisor for the Peer Helper group, and we’re really about supporting our school and community. To make it a welcoming place. So we invite the 9-12th graders who have interest, and we set up the tables and help with the food. And we tear down at the end, and help along the route.”

Meghann Levitt, Public Health Educator for Carlton County Public Health and Human Services shares, “We are aware that Carlton County, and many other counties in Northern Minnesota have some of the highest rates of suicide in the state. This event allows family and friends who have been impacted by suicide to remember loved ones lost, as well as connect with others who have had a similar experience. It is also important for us to provide resources for attendees to pass along to others they know who might be struggling.”

Jo Angell, a mother who lost her son to suicide and who has been involved with the local Carlton County Suicide Prevention Task Force since its inception said, “This walk has been an important focus and connection for me. It has been very helpful to have a special day where people come together, supporting each other and walking in remembrance of our loved ones; publicly stating the seriousness of suicide. We’re all there for the same reason.”

The walk will begin and end at Carlton High School, which is at 405 School Ave., Carlton. Participants are encouraged to enter the gymnasium doors off Walnut Ave. The event is not a fundraiser, however participants may want to wear something with the name/picture of the person they are honoring (not required). In addition, participants will have the opportunity to tie a ribbon to the banner that will be carried on the walk in memory of the person they are honoring. Information on suicide awareness and education will be available. Anyone is welcome, and participants typically include family members, friends, human service and mental health workers, co-workers, and many others whose lives have been affected by a loved one’s suicide or attempt from around the area and state.

The Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk is organized by members of the Carlton County Suicide Prevention Task Force, including Levitt and Angell. The Task Force, consisting of community members as well as professionals, meets quarterly to plan further outreach for suicide prevention, awareness, and education in Carlton County.

In observing the importance of mental wellness, the Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk has become an annual October event—happening the second Saturday of the month. The event is free.